Staying safe in the hot weather

Stay cool and avoid the sun

• Keep out of the sun at the hottest time of the day, between 11am and 3pm.
• Drink plenty of water to keep hydrated and avoid becoming unwell.
• Keep your home cool by closing windows and curtains in rooms that face the sun.
• If you are outside remember to cover up, seek shade and apply sunscreen.
• Know the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke and what to do if you or someone else has them.

Find out more on the NHS website: Heat exhaustion and heatstroke – NHS

Alcohol

• Drinking alcohol in hot weather should be avoided as it will cause dehydration.
• If you need to drink try to alternate your drinks with water as this will increase your hydration levels.

Drugs

• You are at risk if you are using drugs that can increase your body temperature, alter behaviour and decrease your consciousness levels.
• If you have to use then make sure you are not alone.
• Contact our local drug services for a free Naloxone kit. Naloxone is a medicine that rapidly reverses an opioid overdose

Get help or support

• You can use one of our cool spaces for respite and to get free sunscreen and water.
• If you need support for your drug or alcohol use, contact our local drug and alcohol service VIA Greenwich online or give them a call on 0300 303 4552.

Designated Cool Spaces

• Eltham Library: Archery Road, Eltham, SE9 1HA
• Woolwich Library: 35 Wellington Street, Woolwich, SE18 6HQ
• WSUP: 107 Brookhill Road, Woolwich, SE18 6BJ (Tuesdays 10am – 2pm & Saturdays 10.30am – 2.30pm)
• Greenwich Winter Night Shelter (GWNS): 360 Middle Park Avenue, Eltham, SE9 5QH (Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9am-1pm)
• 999 Club: 21 Deptford Broadway, Deptford, SE8 4PA (Open Monday-Friday 9am-4pm).