When it gets very hot outside, your home can start to feel uncomfortable, especially if it gets a lot of sun, has little airflow, or is on an upper floor.
A heatwave affects more than just how warm you feel. It can also impact your food, pets, medication, rubbish, appliances, and the overall condition of your home. Taking a few simple steps can help you stay safe, protect your things, and avoid problems during very hot weather.
Keep Your Home as Cool as Possible
During the hottest part of the day, keep curtains or blinds closed, especially in rooms that get a lot of sun. This helps keep extra heat out of your home.
If it’s safe, open your windows in the evening or early morning when the air is cooler. This lets fresh, cool air move through your home.
If you use fans, make sure they are set up safely, kept away from water, and do not overload plug sockets with too many devices.
Drink Water and Avoid Too Much Direct Sunlight
Hot weather can cause dehydration, heat exhaustion, or heatstroke, especially for young children, older adults, and people with ongoing health conditions.
Drink water regularly during the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Try not to spend too much time in direct sunlight, especially when it’s hottest.
It’s a good idea to check on elderly relatives, neighbours, young children, or anyone who might have trouble in the heat.
Be Careful With Food During Hot Weather
Food can go off much faster during a heatwave.
Take extra care with:
- Milk, cheese, yoghurt and other dairy products
- Meat and fish
- Cooked food
- Sandwiches
- Prepared salads
- Cut fruit
- Leftovers
- Food with a use-by date
Put fridge and freezer items away as soon as you get home from shopping. Don’t leave chilled food out on the counter for too long.
If food has been left out too long in the heat, it’s safer not to eat it.
Check Your Fridge and Freezer
Fridges and freezers have to work harder when it’s hot.
To help them work properly:
- Avoid leaving the fridge or freezer door open for longer than needed.
- Make sure your food still feels cold or frozen.
- Don’t pack your fridge so full that air can’t move around inside.
- Let us know right away if your fridge or freezer isn’t working properly.
If your fridge or freezer stops working, please report it through the usual maintenance process as soon as possible.
This is extra important in hot weather because food can go off quickly and become unsafe to eat.
Keep Pets Cool and Safe
Pets can get too hot very quickly in warm weather.
Make sure pets always have:
- Fresh water
- Shade
- A cool indoor space
- Good ventilation
Don’t leave pets in direct sunlight or in rooms that get very hot. If you walk your dog, try to go early in the morning or later in the evening when it’s cooler outside.
Store Medication Correctly
Some medicines can be affected by heat.
Check the storage instructions on the packaging, especially if your medicine needs to be kept in the fridge. If you’re not sure, ask a pharmacist for advice.
Don’t leave medicine on windowsills, in direct sunlight, or in very warm rooms.
Keep Bins and Food Waste Under Control
Rubbish and food waste can start to smell much faster in hot weather. It can also attract flies, pests, and cause other hygiene problems.
To avoid problems:
- Seal rubbish bags properly.
- Remove food waste regularly.
- Keep bin lids closed.
- Don’t leave food waste inside your home for too long.
Taking these small steps can help stop smells and pest problems during a heatwave.
Use Electrical Items Safely
You might use fans, chargers, extension leads, and other electrical items more often when it’s hot.
Don’t overload plug sockets or extension leads. Keep electrical items away from water and don’t cover appliances while they’re on.
If you notice any electrical problems, like a burning smell, a faulty socket, or an appliance getting too hot, let us know right away.
Report Maintenance Issues Quickly
Some property problems can become more urgent during a heatwave.
Please report problems involving:
- Fridges or freezers
- Windows that will not open or close safely
- Ventilation issues
- Electrical faults
- Leaks
- Broken fans or appliances supplied with the property
- Pest or rubbish-related concerns
The sooner you report a problem, the easier it is to fix.
Final Reminder
Hot weather affects more than just comfort. It can impact your health, your food, your pets, your medication, and your home.
If you keep your home cool, use appliances safely, store food properly, and report issues quickly, you can help avoid problems during the heatwave.
If you are an ABC Gone tenant and notice a maintenance issue, please report it through the usual maintenance process as soon as possible.
Stay safe, keep cool, and take care of each other.
ABC Gone Ltd
02085 530645
info@abcgone.com
