Keeping Cool and Keeping Safe – 10 Tips to Survive the Heatwave

We all tend to relax in the long hot summer days, and that is great, but don’t let relax become lax, when it comes to home security.

Of course you want to have air coming into the home when it is so hot, but you need to ensure that you maintain home security too.

“A burglar looks for weaknesses in security because it makes their job easier. This means that hot weather can also be big business for burglars and thieves because they know that many people will be off their guard when it comes to leaving windows slightly open or back doors unlocked. We have all done it but it’s an open invite for people to take your things’, explained a representative from CCTV42. ‘Of course, if you have security CCTV in place then not only is it a visible deterrent, it can mean that even if you do suffer a security breach, you should have excellent quality video evidence of who the burglar or thief was.”

Here are our top ten heat-busting ideas, with security in mind!

1. Windows – Use your windows properly. You can open most modern windows just a crack and lock them in that position. If you have sash windows open the top and the bottom section to create a convection current and take in cooler air at the bottom and take out warmer air at the top (install locks to make sure they are open without allowing access to thieves). Shut and lock your windows when you are out – double glazed windows will help keep out the heat, especially if you shade the windows (see the next bit). If you don’t have window locks find out how to fit them.
2. Curtains – Shut your curtains in rooms where the sun is shining in, even if you are home, because the light coming in means there is more heat coming in too. Use black out material or blackout blinds to give you the most protection against the heat. You can keep your curtains closed while the windows are open to allow a cool draft while sheltering the room from the sun. Find out how to fit roller blinds, which are available in blackout materials. and check out Direct Order Blinds Instructional Videos for How to Measure for Blinds and Fitting Blinds.
3. Shutters – Install security shutters or metal grilles. That way you can leave the doors and windows open to the air without being open to intruders. This is worth doing if you live in an area where you get too hot regularly.
4. Circulation – Try to get a draft through the house, open windows on opposite sides of your house or flat, and you may need to prop them open. Open windows on the ground and top floors to create a convection current – warm air rises so direct it out through top floor windows.
5. Security Devices – Install a CCTV camera and intruder alarm system to help deter the opportunity burglar. (See the quote from Buckinghamshire based CCTV42 above, and check out their CCTV buyers guide online.)
6. Cooking – Cook outdoors if you can. If you use your BBQ, or eat salads, then you are not adding heat to your home. Please do not use a BBQ on a balcony – the Fire Brigade have issued warnings about the increase of flat fires caused by doing this. You could get an electric griddle but be sure you have an RCB and do not leave it outside after use, where it could get wet.
7. Extractor – Have a great extractor fan in the kitchen and bathroom – to take out any heat and steam you generate when cooking or showering. Proper ventilation helps keep the home cooler, see more about Ventilation and Ducting.
8. Water – Drink loads of water, your body needs water to help regulate your body’s temperature. Keeping a jug of water in the fridge will give you a cooling effect. Sit with your feet in a bowl of cool water, this will help keep your whole body temperature cooler, and you can add a few ice cubes every so often. Spay a mist of cool water onto you skin using a clean garden water spray – make sure it has no chemicals in it though!
9. Stay in the shade – During the hottest part of the day, 11am – 4 pm, try to stay out of the sun if you are affected by the heat. Put up a garden awning or parasol to give yourself shade in the garden, take an umbrella out with you if you are walking around. If you are fixing and awning outside you may need to know more about fixing to concrete and steel lintels.
10. Buy a fan – use a fan to give yourself a breath of air, this is particularly useful in the bedroom at night to help you sleep.

The level 3 heatwave warning that was issued yesterday may get you thinking that it is time to invest in an air conditioning system, and there are also portable units available to rent or buy, if stocks haven’t sold out in your retailer or hire shop!

See more about securing your home and shed in DIY Doctor’s Project section of the site.

 “Check out the Fire Brigade Barbeque Safety advice on their website – and make sure you don’t BBQ on your Balcony” The Safety Elf