Extreme heat advice for Portsmouth residents

Temperatures in Portsmouth may reach 35-40 degrees this week and will stay above 20C at night.

Climate change is making such events much more common and is forcing us to adapt and make changes to the way we live.

That's why better care for the Environment is one of the 7 core values of the Lib Dems.

But outlined below is a list of contacts and practical advice on how to cope with the heat today. 

We hope you find this useful and that you can find ways to stay cool.

Please also look out also for friends, neighbours and pets who may be vulnerable or at risk from the heat.

School closures

An up-to-date list of portsmouth school closures is here.

Bin Collections 
During the hot weather, bin collectors will be out earlier to do as much as possible before it gets too hot.

Please put your bins out by 7pm the night before, or by 6am in the morning this week.

If you believe that you have had a missed collection, report it here.

Port Solent Waste Centre & Recycling Centre

On Wednesday & Thursday, this will open earlier at 8am but the last slot to will be at 12.50. If you are booked after that, contact Hampshire County Council at: 0300 5551389

Heat exhaustion and heatstroke

Watch out for the early signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke this week. If you see someone suffering treat it as an emergency.  NHS advice is here,

Water Safety
Some people will visit our beaches or Hotwalls to make the most of the weather or cool off.

It's fun out on the water, but keep in mind the hidden and serious dangers. Even strong swimmers can get into difficulty due to cold water shock, hidden currents, uneven ground and submerged hazards.

The Fire&Rescue Service and the Royal Life Saving Society UK give similar advice.  They both say:

*  Open water is very different from swimming pools - it may look calm, but can be dangerous
*  Never go into open water alone or without supervision
* Choose safer places to swim, such as lifeguarded beaches, pools or designated swimming areas
* Avoid taking risks or giving in to peer pressure
* Understand the dangers of cold water shock
* Know what to do if you get into trouble e.g. Float to Live
* Know what to do if someone else is in trouble e.g. call 999, never enter the water and throw something that floats.

Click the link for more Water Safety Advice.

Rail journeys

South Western Railway advise they will be running an amended service over the coming days.

Fewer trains are set to operate, and journeys may take longer than usual. Services may also be subject to short-notice changes and cancellations.

*  Weds 24th/Thurs 25 June - Only travel if essential
* Friday 26 June - Check before you travel

If you feel unwell, do not board a train. If you do travel, bring water, stay hydrated, allow extra time.

If you feel unwell on a train, alert railway staff and wait until the next stop to get off the train where someone can help you.

For further, up-to-date information,
please click on this link: Extreme hot weather

Bus travel

The high temperatures may affect some bus services over the coming days, and there may be occasional delays or disruptions.

Check for Stagecoach or First Bus service updates before you travel.

Car Travel

National Highways has issued guidance on how to travel during extreme heat which can be found here:Car travel in extreme heat 

Don't forget to bring water with you and stay hydrated.

Vulnerable neighbours, friends and relatives
If you know friends, family or neighbours who may be more vulnerable to the heat, please check in on them.

Animals and heat

People often forget hot weather impacts pets as well.

Heat stroke is often fatal for animals. If you own or walk dogs, consider giving them a break from the usual walk and setting them up somewhere cool. No dog dies from missing a walk but lots die from heat stroke of suffer burns on their paws!

* Do not leave animals in hot cars
* Ensure they aren't locked in rooms with no ventilation
* Don't exercise or walk a dog in the heat
* Leave some clean water out in the garden for wildlife – they may use it overnight while you sleep.

If a dog collapses from heatstroke, you should:
* Cool them down by pouring cold water on them
* Bring your dog inside into a shady, well-ventilated, cool room
* Offer them a small drink of cool water, don't allow them to lap up huge quantities at once, in case they vomit
* Get in quick contact with your vet and travel to the vets in a cold, air-conditioned car

Overall, please keep hydrated and safe and I hope that you get some respite from the heat over the next few days.

Stay cool!