Keeping safe this summer

Top Tips for Keeping Healthy This Summer

Our West Sussex Wellbeing website offers plenty of advice on staying healthy this summer.

Heatstroke & Heat Exhaustion

For tips on preventing and recognising the signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke, visit the NHS website.

Heat-Health Alerts

Use the Met Office’s Heat-Health Alert website for early warnings about high temperatures that may affect public health, especially useful for those caring for vulnerable people. Register to receive alerts from the UKHSA and Met Office.

Air Quality

Check air quality during hot weather, as it can affect those with respiratory conditions. Register for Sussex-air quality alerts, which send free messages to your mobile, voicemail, email, or app about poor air quality in your area.

Healthcare Demand

Plan ahead during long weekends and bank holidays. Ensure you have repeat prescriptions, self-care essentials, and a first aid kit. Check which urgent care services are open near you. Only call 999 in an emergency; call 111 for health-related issues if unsure where to go. For more information, visit Get the right care.

Top Tips for Staying Safe This Summer

Beat the Heat

For guidance and advice on handling hot weather, visit the government’s Hot Weather & Health page or download this poster.

Cover Up

Wear light clothing, a hat, and use high-factor sunscreen. Stay in the shade during the hottest part of the day (11am-3pm). For more sun safety tips, visit Cancer Research UK.

Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of water and carry some with you. Use the free Refill app to find refill stations nearby. More hydration tips are available at the British Nutrition Foundation.

Keep Cool

Identify the coolest room in your house or office. Close windows and shades during the day, and open them for ventilation when it's cooler. Use reflective material outside windows or light-coloured curtains. Take cool baths or showers, and splash yourself with cool water.

Go Easy on Alcohol

Alternate alcoholic drinks with water or soft drinks to stay hydrated. For more information on alcohol, visit West Sussex Wellbeing.

Check on Others

Look out for those at risk, including the very young, elderly, and seriously ill. Hot weather can exacerbate heart conditions and breathing problems.

Plan Ahead

Ensure you have enough supplies such as food, water, ice, sun cream, fans, and medications.

Avoid Closed Spaces

Vehicles can get very hot inside, so be mindful of yourself and passengers.

Look After Your Pets

For pet care tips during hot weather, visit the RSPCA website.

Use Water Sensibly

During hot weather, use water only for essentials like drinking, cooking, and hygiene to help reduce carbon emissions and protect our natural environment. Visit our Using less water pages for more information.

Take Care if Travelling Abroad

If you're going abroad this summer, see the UK Health Security Agency website for helpful tips.

Top Tips for Staying Water Safe

Enjoying time at the seaside, pool, river, or lake is fantastic, but conditions can change quickly.

Water Safety

For advice on family water safety, visit the Royal Lifesaving Society.

Coastal Safety

Check weather and tides before heading out, wear appropriate clothing and footwear, and be aware of risks. For more information, visit the national Coastal Safety campaign.

Trouble at Sea

If you or someone else is in trouble, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. If you are deaf or have a speech impairment, send an emergency SMS.

Water Safety Code

Familiarise yourself with the Water Safety Code to stay safe in, on, or beside the water this summer.

Top Tips for Fire Prevention This Summer

Wildfires often start due to carelessness, such as discarded lit cigarettes or unattended campfires and barbecues. Deliberate wildfires are illegal and criminal offences. Controlled fires for land management usually occur between September and April.

Reduce the Risk of Wildfires:

• Properly extinguish cigarettes and other smoking materials.
• Never throw cigarette ends out of car windows.
• Don’t leave bottles or glass in woodlands; take them home or use waste bins.
• Avoid using open fires in the countryside.

Permissions for Outdoor Fires:

• Always check with the landowner before lighting fires or barbecues.
• Only light fires in safe, designated areas.
• Keep children away from open fires.

If You See a Fire:

• Report it immediately by calling 999 or sending an emergency SMS if you have a speech impairment or are deaf.
• Do not try to tackle large fires; leave the area quickly, moving downhill if possible.

BBQ Safety Tips for the Summer

Enjoying a barbecue with family and friends is a great way to embrace the summer sunshine. However, barbecues can be a significant fire hazard. Follow these guidelines from the West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service to ensure you stay safe this summer:

• Use barbecues in suitable, safe areas and never leave them unattended.
• Wash your hands regularly and cook food thoroughly.

For more details, visit the Food Standards Agency.

Look After Your Sexual Health

Rising numbers of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have been reported across the UK. Did you know you can order free home testing kits, and if you are 24 or under, you can also order free condoms online? PrEP, highly effective at preventing HIV, is available free from our sexual health clinics for those at risk. For more information, visit Sexual Health West Sussex.

Hate Crime and Hate Incidents

It’s important you're aware of how to spot the signs of hate crime and hate incidents in our communities, which tend to increase during the summer months.

Hate incidents and crimes can take many forms, they occur when a person is subjected to hostility or prejudice by another person or group because of their real or perceived race, faith, disability, sexual orientation, and/or transgender identity. Please be observant when out and about and report any incidents online, by emailing sussexhateincidentreport@victimsupport.org.uk or by calling Victim Support on 0808 168 9274 (Freephone). You may wish to use their online chat service, available 24 hours a day.

If someone believes they or another person has been targeted due to any of the above, this is enough to make a report. In an emergency, call 999.

Eating Out and Food Allergies

Food businesses in West Sussex must provide allergy information to consumers. The Food Standards Agency offers online training for managing allergens. Report issues with allergen information to Citizens Advice Consumer Service at 0808 223 1133. You can also report other food and drink issues, such as species substitution and false origin claims.

Tick Awareness

Ticks can transmit infections like Lyme disease and tick-borne encephalitis. They are most active from April to July. Be cautious in grassy and wooded areas. For more information and safety tips, read the UKHSA blog or view this A5 leaflet about ticks.

Enjoy Summer in West Sussex

West Sussex offers countless activities, especially in the summer. It's the perfect place to unwind, explore, and embark on new adventures.

From walking on the South Downs and having beach picnics to dining out and enjoying time with friends and family, there are many ways to make the most of your summer.

For more ideas and inspiration, visit our tourism website: Experience West Sussex.