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Good afternoon all, As we approach the evening of the hottest May day on record in the UK, myself and the team would like to give you a few tips on how to keep yourself, loved ones and homes safe in the hot weather: Stay hydrated! Make sure you are drinking water regularly and are not sitting or walking in direct sunlight for too long. Keep a spare bottle of water with you when out and about, especially if you are with young children and dogs, and wear a hat to protect your face and neck. Don't be sparing with the sun cream. Children should be wearing at least SPF50. Sunburn is no joke! Severe sunburn can lead to a trip to A&E. If your sunburn is very bad or blisters, do not cover it with clingfilm, clothing or creams. Instead, run it under cool (not cold) water for 20 minutes and seek medical advice.Be extremely cautious when swimming in open water. Cold water shock can be fatal and hidden currents can catch you unawares, even if you consider yourself to be a strong swimmer. Never swim on your own and make sure you have a way out of the water. Dogs need extra care an attention in hot weather. Very large breeds, flat faced breeds such as Pugs and French bulldogs, overweight or elderly dogs should not be walked in hot weather as they can struggle to breath and are at a much higher risk of heatstroke. The safest time of the day to walk dogs is in early in the morning or late in the evening when it becomes cooler. If you do choose to walk your dog, do at the coolest part of the day and stick to grassy areas as pavements can get extremely hot, which can lead to burnt feet! Remember, no dog has ever died after missing a walk, but may become very ill if walked in hot weather. NEVER LEAVE DOGS OR YOUNG CHILDREN IN A CAR. Even if the window is open, a car can heat up extremely quickly.Make sure to shut your windows when you leave the house and keep ground floor windows closed at night. Keep your home safe from opportunistic burglars. Overall, make sure that you enjoy the sunny weather. If you'd like anymore advice, please drop us a message on met engage, check the NHS website and if you have pets, visit Dogstrust.org.uk for keeping your pooches happy. Kind regards, Heathfield and Whitton SNT team | 
