Summer safety

Summer is here and this year we have already experienced heatwaves across the UK, with London reaching temperatures of over 35 degrees. With heatwaves becoming more frequent, it’s important you know how to stay safe in the warmer months.

Water safety

Swimming pools, lidos, swimming lakes and even a trip to the seaside is the perfect way to have fun and cool down on those hot summer days. However, not knowing the hazards or precautions when around water, could put you and others at risk. Here are some safety tips to keep you and your loved ones safe:

  • When visiting public pools or lidos, always ensure you do not go into the deep end if you do not know how to swim and tread water. Children who cannot swim should always have suitable armbands or a swimming vest on before entering the water, and they should always be with an adult.
  • Never assume someone else, such as a lifeguard, is watching your children unless they have been told to do so.
  • If you have a paddling pool, ensure children and pets are still supervised. Empty or cover the paddling pool when not in use.
  • If you walk, run or cycle near open water, such as rivers or lakes, ensure you stick to designated pathways and stay away from the waters edge, especially when the water levels are high. Always know your route and if you have children, try and keep them in their pushchair or hold their hand. If you have a dog, always keep them on their lead near open water.
  • Never go swimming while under the influence of alcohol or other substances.

BBQ safety

BBQs in the summertime are an absolute must, but they can be dangerous when not handled properly. Here are our top tips to stay safe:

  • Never use a BBQ indoors, on balconies or in communal spaces such as hallways or rooftop terraces.
  • Always position your BBQ on level ground and not on decking, ensuring it is away from fences, sheds, gates, trees and outdoor furniture/toys.
  • Use appropriate firelighters to start the BBQ.
  • Have a bucket of water or sand nearby for emergency use.
  • Never leave the BBQ unattended and don’t let children or pets near the BBQ.
  • After using the BBQ, ensure it is cool before moving or cleaning.

How to stay safe and cool when the weather heats up

  • When the temperature rises, ensure you try and keep out of the sun between 11am-3pm if you can.
  • Wear UV sunglasses, loose fitting clothes and a hat such as a baseball cap or sunhat.
  • Wear sunscreen when out in the sun and remember to drink lots of water to stay hydrated. Ensure your pets have plenty of water and shade too.
  • Never leave anyone or any pets in a locked parked vehicle.
  • When leaving the house, check your route before you leave as some trains and tube services may be delayed or cancelled. Always leave the house with a drink and if you can, travel during off-peak quieter times.
  • You can help keep your home cool by closing the curtains attached to windows that are sun-facing and turn off non-essential lights as these can generate added heat
  • Glass and mirrored objects can act as a lens and when sunlight reflects off them, and this could set alight flammable items such as curtains and soft furnishings. Therefore, always keep mirrors, glass ornaments and other reflective objects away from direct sunlight. Glass bottles outside can also start fires when left in direct sunlight, therefore make sure you dispose of any glass bottles, and if you can, recycle them.
  • Take extra care when putting out cigarettes and dispose of them safely.
  • If you use a fan, make sure it is well maintained and cleaned regularly of dust. Always place your fan on a flat stable surface and ensure the lead is tucked away to avoid trips and accidents.

Communal plug socket safety

Our Estate Services Team have recently experienced a high volume of incidents where communal sockets in our blocks have been used inappropriately by our residents, causing safety hazards in the building.

Sockets in communal areas should never be used by a resident, unless instructed to do so by Wandle, as misuse could put you and others in the building at risk, Recently our Estate Services Team have reported objects such as tumble dryers, electric bikes, mobility and electric scooters that have been stored and charged in communal hallways and areas. These items can block fire exits and could also cause an electrical fire. We had one report of an electric car being charged by a communal socket on the ground floor.

If you need to report an object that is obstructing a fire exit or is being charged in a communal area, please contact our Estate Services Team.