Officials Warn Homeowners About Future Heatwaves

In a recently-published report, The Government has strongly advised homeowners to ‘paint their property white’ to protect themselves from heatwaves along with considering metal blinds and dark curtains in a bid to keep their homes cool.

Officials also recommended the addition of external shading, such as our external roller blinds shown below, as they warned of increasingly extreme Summers in the UK. 

Furthermore, they suggested individuals stayed safe by avoiding caffeine and alcohol during hot spells. This advice is part of a 46-page plan put together by authorities to prevent seasonal deaths and prepare officials in the event of a heatwave. The document, which is a joint NHS England and Public Health publication, also reveals that temperatures have to rise to just 24.5°C before lives can be put at risk.  

Other “trigger temperatures,” which signal when authorities need to act, include 33°C, when roads will begin to melt, and 36°C when National Rail are required to take extreme precautions. Underground workers, on the other hand, are expected to issue hot weather notices and hand out bottles of water if London experiences three days of weather above 24°C. 

The release of this new document comes following the European heatwave of 2003, which saw more than 20,000 people die, including 2,000 in the UK following the warmest Summer in 500 years. Professor Dame Sally Davies, chief medical officer, urged authorities to get ready as she warned that the 2003 heatwave, which saw temperatures rocket to more than 38°C, would be “normal” by 2040. Sally added, “we want to make sure everyone takes simple precautions to stay healthy during periods of hot weather and when in the sun.” 

If you’d like to find out more about our cutting-edge solar shading solutions and enjoy a cool, comfortable home this Summer, chat to our dedicated specialists today on 0344 800 1947 or complete our quick enquiry form here.