How to stay protected during periods of extreme heat

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Our priority at East Village is resident safety and wellbeing especially during periods of extreme heat. This is particularly relevant amidst ongoing remediation works which we know can affect how you ventilate your homes and keep them cool.  

With temperatures climbing to the mid 30’s again this week, it’s important to plan for this period and reduce the risk of your home overheating. This is especially important for residents who may be more vulnerable such as:  

  • Older residents 
  • Residents with disabilities 
  • Residents with underlying health conditions  
  • And families with babies or young children  

Why flats are often more susceptible to overheating 

The very nature and layout of flats or an apartment block often means they are more susceptible to higher temperatures at all times of the year. Flats on the top floor, those with windows on only one side and those that are south facing are of most at risk of maintaining higher temperatures and being harder to cool down.  

Flats, particularly those built in recent years like East Village, also have quite superior levels of insulation and energy-efficiency which can trap heat inside more. While this is a benefit in terms of general health, wellbeing and cost, care does need to be taken to avoid overheating in the summer. 

What you can do to prepare for hot weather 

The government has provided checklists for things you can do to prepare your home for hot weather: 

  1. Consider installing internal blinds or curtains. 
  2. Check that fridges, freezers, and fans are working properly. 
  3. Check medicines can be stored according to the instructions on the packaging. 
  4. Some indoor plants can help to purify and cool the air. 

What you can do during a heatwave 

  1. If possible, shade or cover windows. 
  2. If you have windows on more than one side of your home, i.e. if you occupy a corner plot, open windows on both sides to allow air to flow though.  
  3. Open windows and doors (when it is safe to do so) when the air feels cooler outside, for example at night, and try to get air flowing through the home. 
  4. Use electric fans if the air temperature is below 35°C, but do not aim the fan directly at your body as this can lead to dehydration. 
  5. Check that your heating is turned off. 
  6. To reduce heat generated in the home, turn off lights and electrical equipment that are not in use and consider cooking at cooler times of the day. 
  7. Move to a cooler part of the house, especially for sleeping if possible. 
  8. It may be cooler outside in the shade or in a public building (such as places of worship, local libraries, or supermarkets) so consider a visit as a way of cooling down if you are able to safely travel there without putting yourself at more risk from the heat. 

If your building is currently undergoing external remediation work to balconies, a reminder can be found below of when balconies can be accessed and doors can be fully opened:  

  • You won’t be able to access your balcony during site working hours (Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm) – however you will be able to open your balcony doors (approximately 10cm) for ventilation 
  • You will have access to your balcony during weekday evenings and during weekends, as long as it is not being actively worked on 
  • Contractor access may be required on weekends, but we will write to you if you will be affected   
  • Although balcony access is allowed outside of working hours, it’s vital that residents do not enter the scaffolding area. 

Where to get more information 

We hope you enjoy the summer heat, whilst staying safe.  

To receive more government advice visit Beat the heat: keep cool at home checklist – GOV.UK. 

If you have any concerns about the condition of your home, please contact your relevant landlord.