Fylde coast residents urged to take extra precautions as temperatures forecast to hit 35°C
Temperatures are soaring this week.
Residents across Lancashire are being urged to take extra precautions as temperatures are forecast to reach as high as 35°C this week.
Officials are encouraging people to plan ahead, stay hydrated and look out for vulnerable family members, friends and neighbours during the hot weather. People are advised to avoid direct sunlight between 11am and 3pm, wear sunscreen and a hat, and drink plenty of water.
Keeping homes cool by closing blinds in sunny rooms and opening windows when temperatures drop can also help. Drivers are reminded never to leave children or pets in parked vehicles, even for a short period.
Anyone who becomes unwell due to the heat and does not recover after cooling down should seek urgent medical assistance by calling 999.
Wildfire and outdoor fire safety
With dry conditions increasing the risk of wildfires, residents are being urged to follow simple safety measures:
- Never use disposable barbecues on moorland or grassland. Please pack a picnic instead.
- Avoid smoking on moorland and always extinguish cigarettes and other smoking materials thoroughly.
- Do not throw cigarette butts out of car windows.
- Never leave bottles or glass behind. Take all litter home.
People are also encouraged to avoid swimming in open water and instead choose supervised swimming pools.
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Serious risks
Group Manager Liam Wilson said: “Periods of extreme heat bring a number of serious risks, particularly around fire and water safety. We are asking people to take extra care when enjoying the outdoors, especially in dry conditions where fires can start and spread quickly. If you’re heading out to enjoy Lancashire, please pack a picnic and leave the bbq at home.
“Open water can look very tempting in hot weather, but it remains dangerous all year round. We continue to see incidents where people underestimate the risks. Cold water shock can affect anyone, so we are urging people to choose safer, supervised swimming locations and to understand how quickly situations can change in open water.
“Simple decisions can save lives whether that’s staying out of the sun during peak hours, checking on vulnerable neighbours, or making safer choices around water and fire.”