Let’s be real–the UK doesn’t exactly get much sunny weather, but it does occur. In fact, almost every year, we get a heatwave for at least a few days, yet we’re rarely prepared for it. So, while it might be a while until the next Great British heatwave, this list discusses various big mistakes that you should avoid next time it gets too hot to handle.
Forgetting to Stay Hydrated
As the CDC reminds us, not drinking enough water is one of the most common mistakes during a heatwave. Dehydration can set in quickly, leading to headaches, dizziness, and fatigue, which can be immensely counterproductive during a busy work day, potentially even messing up your health. Thankfully, this is easy to combat–just keep a water bottle with you and sip it regularly to maintain your hydration levels.
Leaving Windows Open All Day
Contrary to popular belief, leaving windows open during the hottest part of the day can let in more heat. Instead, keep windows and curtains closed when the sun is strongest to block out heat. Opening them in the early morning or late evening when it’s cooler can help maintain a more comfortable temperature indoors, and for the rest of the time, consider using a fan.
Overdoing Physical Activity
We all know that exercise is healthy, but exercising or doing heavy work during peak heat can lead to heat exhaustion or even heat stroke. It’s important to adjust your routine to avoid strenuous activities during the hottest hours. Early morning or late evening is a much better time for exercise when temperatures are lower and less intense.
Skipping Suncream
Underestimating the strength of the sun, even in the UK, can result in painful sunburns, making skipping suncream or not reapplying it throughout the day a classic mistake. It leaves skin unprotected, and we’re all too willing to brush this off as an amusing case of sunburn. In reality, this could cause serious skin damage or even cancer, so load up on that SPF next summer.
Wearing the Wrong Clothing
Another big mistake you probably made during the UK’s last heatwave was wearing dark, tight, or heavy clothing that traps heat and increases discomfort. It’s far wiser to wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothes made of breathable fabrics like cotton or linen, helping to keep you cool.
Ignoring Heatwave Warnings
It should go without saying that disregarding official heatwave warnings or not paying attention to the forecast can lead to unnecessary risks. These alerts provide valuable information about expected temperatures and recommended precautions. Staying informed and taking warnings seriously helps you prepare better and avoid the dangers associated with extreme heat.
Drinking Too Much Caffeine or Alcohol
As if the dehydration of a heatwave wasn’t bad enough, caffeinated and alcoholic drinks can contribute to this further, yet people still drink them. Both substances have diuretic effects, which can increase fluid loss. So, stick to water, herbal teas, or other non-caffeinated, non-alcoholic beverages while it’s hot to stay hydrated and maintain your energy levels.
Forgetting About Pets
Because they can’t talk to us, it’s easy to forget to consider how the heat affects pets, potentially putting them at risk of overheating. Pets need plenty of water, shaded areas, and limited outdoor time during the hottest parts of the day. Keeping them cool and hydrated is essential to ensuring their safety and comfort during a heatwave.
Not Cooling Down Your Home
Neglecting to take steps to cool your home can make the heatwave even more unbearable. As we mentioned earlier, simple actions like using fans, placing bowls of ice in front of them, or keeping curtains closed can significantly reduce indoor temperatures. Taking these measures helps create a more comfortable living environment.
Eating Heavy Meals
Many Brits forget that consuming large, heavy meals can increase your body temperature and make you feel sluggish during hot weather. Lighter, smaller meals that include fresh fruits and vegetables are easier to digest and help keep you cool. So, maybe save the roast dinners and the Full English for the winter.
Ignoring Signs of Heat Exhaustion
It’s a terrible mistake to dismiss symptoms like dizziness, headache, or excessive sweating during a heatwave, all of which can lead to more serious heat-related illnesses. Recognizing these early signs of heat exhaustion is crucial for taking prompt action. Just move to a cooler place, drink more fluids, and rest up, and you’ll be better prepared to prevent your condition from worsening into heatstroke.
Not Taking Breaks from the Sun
As we just briefly stated, don’t be afraid to stay out of direct sunlight for a while during a heatwave. You may want to make the most of the sun, but doing so for extended periods without taking breaks can quickly lead to sunburn and heat exhaustion. It’s important to find shade periodically and give your body a chance to cool down, even in the UK.
Using the Oven or Stove
When you cook with the oven or stove during a heatwave, it can add unnecessary heat to your home, making it harder to keep cool. This might sound impossible to avoid, but it’s not; opt for no-cook meals, using a microwave, or grilling outside, all of which are better alternatives during a heatwave.
Forgetting to Check on Vulnerable Individuals
If you have vulnerable friends or family, such as the elderly, children, or those with health conditions, remember that extreme heat can be particularly dangerous for them. These groups are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses, so a quick check-in to ensure they’re staying cool and hydrated is always a wise idea.
Not Adjusting Your Sleep Environment
There’s really no need to sleep in a hot room during a heatwave and put yourself through unnecessary discomfort. Simple adjustments such as using lighter bedding, keeping windows open at night, and using a fan can improve comfort immensely.
Skipping Hats
As we’ve already discussed, avoiding the shade during a heatwave is a terrible idea, but admittedly, it’s not always available. However, this can easily be combated by wearing a hat, especially one that is wide-rimmed, ensuring that you can protect yourself from the sun even when you can’t find shade.
Not Protecting Your Eyes
Believe it or not, wearing sunglasses on bright, sunny days isn’t just a matter of comfort; failing to do so can also leave your eyes exposed to harmful UV rays. Prolonged exposure can also cause discomfort and increase the risk of eye damage, so grab yourself a pair of sunglasses with UV protection to shield your eyes from the sun.
Leaving Kids in Hot Cars
We really shouldn’t have to tell you that leaving children in parked cars, even for a short time, can be extremely dangerous, especially out of the shade. Temperatures inside a vehicle can rise rapidly, leading to heatstroke or worse. So, always take children with you, even if you think you’ll only be gone for a moment, to ensure their safety.
Not Using Fans Properly
Many Brits use fans incorrectly every summer, such as letting them blow hot air around, potentially making a room feel warmer. What you should actually do is position fans near windows to pull in cooler air or use them with a bowl of ice, ensuring that they actually help to circulate cooler air throughout your space.
Overlooking Airflow
While we’re on the topic of hot air, failing to optimize airflow in your home can trap heat and make indoor spaces stifling. Simple actions like using fans strategically, keeping doors open, and ensuring vents are unobstructed can enhance airflow. Improving ventilation helps reduce indoor temperatures and makes your living space more comfortable.
Having Hot Showers
While this might seem ridiculous to some, many Brits have the habit of hot showers ingrained so deeply into their routine that they continue doing so during a heatwave. If this sounds like you, you’re missing out on a valuable cool-off opportunity. Take your boiler off and treat yourself to a freezing cold shower during these hot times, and trust us–you’ll never look back.