Top Property Tips for Keeping Yourself and Your Pets Safe During This Week’s Heatwave

In addition to our pets which find it often much more difficult to regulate their temperature human sufferers of long-term illnesses which may already affect heart rate and breathing are the most at risk and for those who live alone, especially those over 75, It may be useful to seek medical advice where needed. The environmental health office at your local authority can inspect your home for health hazards, including excess heat. 

Retirement property experts McCarthy Stone share their tips on keeping homes cool and safe in a heatwave.  

Prepare your property 

According to the Met Office, a UK heatwave is when the heat meets or exceeds maximum temperatures for at least three consecutive days so it’s important to check in on elderly friends, relatives, or neighbours to ensure that properties are prepared for prolonged periods of heat.  

When looking to rent or buy, opting for a ground floor flat could be a good choice as top floor flats retain more heat as heat rises. Spending time on the ground floor or sleeping downstairs on warmer nights can make a big difference but for those in top floor flats, remaining in the coolest parts of the property is key.   

Close curtains on rooms that face the sun to keep indoor spaces cooler, preferably using curtains with pale, reflective linings rather than by metal venetian blinds and curtains with dark linings. These can retain heat and raise the temperature in the room further and if replacing them is not possible, adding an electric fan to the room may be a necessary step.  

Simple hacks at home 

Despite taking steps to cool down your home, heat can still enter through unsealed gaps around doors and windows. You can easily block out the unwelcome heat by locating gaps and sealing them with draught excluders or, as a makeshift option, household towels. 

Keep the windows closed while the temperature outside is higher than it is inside, only opening once it has dropped lower. Make the most of cooler night-time and early morning temperatures to cool the building with ventilation.  

Adding houseplants is another simple step that can be taken to create moisture in a stuffy room and create a more breathable space. Ensure that the plants you choose are pet safe.

Creating a breathable bedroom 

Speaking to McCarthy Stone, sleep expert and psychologist, Dr Nerina Ramlakhan stressed the importance of treating your bedroom as a sleep sanctuary, even as temperatures rise, advising that “quiet, dark and not too hot – 16°C is ideal.” 

Obviously, it’s not going to be easy to keep the temperature down, but tricks such as turning off electrical devices and sockets in the bedroom can help. Electrical appliances emit heat so do not be tempted to charge your phone near you in the night and instead, keep it as far from your bed as possible. Like technology, light bulbs also radiate heat and keeping the lights off is best for keeping the bedroom cool.  

Cotton should be your bedding material of choice during warmer nights. More breathable than satin and silk, light-coloured cotton bedsheets are probably the coolest coverings you’ll find. And for your pets opt to get a cooling matt, trust us even cats enjoy them in the heat!

Take care in the garden 

Physical activity and going outdoors during the hottest time of the day is not encouraged. You should try to keep out of the sun between 11am and 3pm, when the UV rays are strongest. Bear this in mind for your pets as well and ideally do not let your cat out during these hours and avoid walking your dog.

Whilst spending time in the garden, applying sun cream, shading the face with a sun hat and keeping hydrated are essential. It’s also important to increase outside shading and spraying water on the ground outside can also help to cool the air. For pets with light fur you can use baby sun lotion to avoid the risk of sunburn and cancer.

Hydration

Ensure that you keep yourself and your pets hydrated! Especially for cats which often drink less water you can entice them by putting fish flavoured ice cubes in their bowls.

Stay ahead of the curve 

Keep ahead of the weather by checking the latest weather forecast and temperature warnings. If you are caring for another person during a heatwave and have concerns for their wellbeing, you can look out for any changes in behaviour, especially excessive drowsiness. This could also include headache, unusual tiredness, weakness, giddiness, disorientation or sleeping problems.