to view Heathscene magazine featuring Danny Williams on page 10

community
Being prepared, come rain or shine
Drought, hosepipe bans, flooding, a heatwave, the dampest April for 100 years – 2012 has had
them all so far. As <strong>Heathscene</strong> went <strong>to</strong> press at the end of June, the month was on target <strong>to</strong> be the
wettest since 1860. We can’t predict what the rest of summer will bring and there might well be a
long hot spell as you read this.
During all these types of conditions it’s important <strong>to</strong> be prepared.
Tips for coping in hot weather
The following advice applies <strong>to</strong> everybody when it comes <strong>to</strong>
keeping cool and comfortable and reducing health risks:
• Shut windows and pull down the
shades when it is hotter outside.
Open them for ventilation when
it is cooler.
• Avoid the heat: stay out of the
sun and don’t go out between
11am and 3pm (the hottest part
of the day) if you’re vulnerable
<strong>to</strong> the effects of heat.
• Keep rooms cool by using
shades or reflective material
outside the windows. If this isn't
possible, use light-coloured
curtains and keep them closed
(metallic blinds and dark
curtains can make the
room hotter).
• Have cool baths or showers,
and splash yourself with
cool water.
• Drink cold drinks regularly, such
as water and fruit juice. Avoid
tea, coffee and alcohol.
• Stay tuned <strong>to</strong> the weather
forecast on the radio or TV, or
the Met Office website.
• Plan ahead <strong>to</strong> make sure you
have enough supplies, such as
food, water and any
medications you need.
• Identify the coolest room in the
house so you know where <strong>to</strong> go
<strong>to</strong> keep cool.
• Wear loose, light, cool clothing.
• Check up on friends, relatives
and neighbours who may be
less able <strong>to</strong> look after
themselves.
For more tips visit: www.nhs.uk
Flood warnings on Facebook
The world's first flood warning Facebook application has been launched by the Environment Agency <strong>to</strong>
give people better and easier access <strong>to</strong> flood warning information through social media.
Known as ‘FloodAlerts’ the application uses live flood warning data from the Environment Agency. It
enables Facebook users <strong>to</strong> get maps and warning information directly through their social network.
Facebook users are able <strong>to</strong> 'like' the new application and then choose a place or postcode that they
wish <strong>to</strong> moni<strong>to</strong>r. They will then get 'alert' notifications on their Facebook wall when a flood alert,
warning or severe flood warning has been issued for their moni<strong>to</strong>red location.
For more on flood warnings visit www.environment-agency.gov.uk
18 I <strong>Heathscene</strong> I www.surreyheath.gov.uk/community