| Keeping your baby safe in hot weather With hot weather, it’s important to help babies stay cool – especially when sleeping. We’ve shared the following tips with our residents: Aim to keep your baby’s room at a comfortable temperature of 16-20°C. A room thermometer can help you check this. Regularly feel your baby’s chest or the back of their neck – if they feel hot or sweaty, remove a layer of clothing. To keep your baby comfortable: Use light bedding and fewer layers (a vest or nappy may be enough in very hot weather) Open windows or doors where safe, to improve airflow Check guidance on sleep bag tog ratings Use a fan to cool the room, but don’t point it directly at your baby Keep curtains closed during the day to reduce heat When out and about, protect your baby from the sun by using a clip-on parasol or sunshade on prams. Avoid covering prams with blankets, as this can trap heat. If your baby is six months or older, apply a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 to help protect their skin. The NHS advises that babies under six months should not wear sunscreen, so it’s especially important to keep them well shaded. For all babies, try to keep them out of direct sunlight as much as possible, particularly during the hottest parts of the day. Please feel free to share this information via your own channels. |
| Stay food safe in the extreme heat High temperatures can quickly turn everyday foods into a health risk. In hot weather, bacteria grow faster – especially when food is left out – making proper cooking, handling and storage more important than ever. 🌡️ Why it matters The ‘danger zone’ for food is between 5°C and 60°C, where harmful bacteria multiply rapidly. During extreme hot weather, food can enter this zone more easily, increasing the risk of food poisoning. 🍳 Cook thoroughly Always cook meat, poultry, fish and eggs properly. Food should be steaming hot all the way through, and leftovers should be reheated thoroughly before eating. 🧊 Chill promptly Don’t leave perishable food out for long: No more than two hours, or one hour in very hot weather Store leftovers in the fridge quickly Keep your fridge at 5°C or below If you’re outdoors, use cool bags and ice packs to keep food chilled. 🧼 Keep it clean Wash your hands regularly, clean surfaces, and keep raw and cooked foods separate to prevent cross-contamination. ✅ Simple safety tip When in doubt – throw it out. It’s better to be safe than risk illness. |
| Play your part and help the NHS during the hot weather With the severe weather in place across the South West, NHS services are currently under significant pressure. High temperatures, combined with increased demand, mean hospitals and emergency departments are extremely busy as staff work around the clock to keep patients safe. Health teams are doing everything they can – freeing up beds, supporting vulnerable people, and managing high demand – but they need your help. If you or someone you know has a life-threatening emergency, always call 999 or go to A&E. But for less urgent issues, please consider alternative options so emergency services can prioritise those who need them most. |
| Travel disruption during extreme heat Hot weather is continuing to affect the rail network across England and Wales. Passengers are being advised to only travel if absolutely necessary, particularly during the peak heat period, as services may be disrupted. Delays and cancellations are possible due to heat-related impacts on tracks and overhead lines, and speed restrictions may be in place to keep passengers safe. If you do need to travel: Check your journey before setting off Travel earlier in the day where possible Carry water and stay cool |