Extreme heat - please stay safe and look out for people who may be struggling

The Met Office has issued its first-ever red extreme heat warning for Monday and Tuesday, with hot weather also over the weekend.  

Council services will continue in the heat, and the council is taking extra steps to help keep people safe.  Staff will check on vulnerable adults in their homes on Monday and Tuesday, including distributing water and taking steps to help keep homes cooler. 

The council is asking residents to follow essential NHS advice including: 

• Looking out for people who may be struggling to keep themselves cool - especially older people, very young people, people with existing health conditions, and homeless people 
• Staying cool at home - close curtains on rooms that face the sun, and remember it may be cooler outdoors than indoors
• Drinking plenty of water and fluids, and take water with you if you are travelling. Find out where to fill water bottles for free in Islington with the Refill App  
• Trying to keep out of the sun, especially between 11am-3pm, and stay in the shade when possible

Islington’s homeless outreach team will be out during the hottest parts of the day on Monday and Tuesday, offering homeless people sunscreen, water and cold drinks, places to find shade, and help with accommodation.

The council has issued advice to schools about keeping children safe, and parents should check with their children’s school for updates about any changes to provision. Some services – such as bin collections and street cleaning – may start and end earlier than usual. 

Cllr Kaya Comer-Schwartz, Leader of Islington Council, said: “Please stay safe as we face extreme heat on Monday and Tuesday. 

 “Islington is a brilliant place, where people look after each other.  We’ll be carrying out extra checks on vulnerable people, including homeless people. As we all face extreme weather together, please keep a look out for those who may need some help.” 

 Jonathan O’Sullivan, Islington Council’s Acting Director of Public Health, said: “Staying out of the sun wherever possible, drinking plenty of water, and keeping homes cooler by closing curtains on rooms that face the sun can all help. 

“Also please watch out for signs of heat-related illness - if you or someone else feels unwell with a high temperature during hot weather, it may be heat exhaustion or heatstroke. Heatstroke can be very dangerous, so please do take care.”