Heatwave Advice: protecting your residents

PREPARATIONS

The Building

• Check that windows can be shaded, preferably by curtains rather than metal blinds which can make conditions worse
• Check that there are no problems opening windows, taking account of security and personal safety
• Ensure that staff know which rooms are most easy to keep cool, which are most difficult and then consider changing use of any space
• Check that any cooling or air conditioning systems work properly – it should be possible to keep the air temperature at or below 25°C in at least one large room. It may be necessary to install or rent an air conditioning unit.
• Ensure that there are enough thermometers to monitor temperatures throughout the building

Facilities

• Check that you have adequate supply of fans and water
• Check that water and ice are widely available
• Make arrangements for cold drinks to be distributed in the event of a heatwave
• Adapt menus to provide more cold meals, preferably with higher water content such as salads and fruit

Useful products

• 
  The Hydrant
• 
  Harfield Anti-Bacterial Jug
• 
  Harfield Anti-Bacterial Fluted Tumbler
• 
  Thermometers
• 
  3 Speed Desk Fan
• 
  Mobile Air Conditioning Unit