The UKHSA has issued a new heat health alert for eight regions of England, coming into force at 9am on Monday 3 August. Amber alerts will apply to the East Midlands, East of England, South East and London, while the North West, Yorkshire and The Humber, West Midlands and South West will be under a yellow alert. Both warnings remain in place until 9am on Wednesday 5 August.
In its guidance, the UKHSA advises households to check that fridges, freezers and fans are working properly before the hot weather takes hold again. It also recommends staying out of direct sunlight, avoiding excess alcohol and drinking plenty of fluids.
Fridge door seal test
White goods manufacturer Beko has highlighted a common fault that can worsen in hot conditions: a worn-out seal around the fridge door. If the seal no longer closes properly, the cooling system has to work harder, which can increase energy bills, damage the appliance and cause food to go off more quickly. Warm air entering the fridge can overwhelm the cooling system, especially during hot summer days.
To find out whether the seal is functioning, Beko suggests a simple test using a single sheet of A4 paper. A spokesman for the company said: “One issue that may arise with your fridge is wear and tear on the door seal. A worn-out door seal can prevent the refrigerator door from closing properly, causing the cooling system to work harder to keep your groceries fresh.
“This can lead to increased energy consumption and potential damage to your fridge and its temperature settings. Warm air entering your fridge can overwhelm the cooling system, especially during hot summer days.”
Salah Sun, Head of Product Management at Beko UK, added: “To check if your fridge door is functioning correctly, use a piece of paper. You can buy paper for as little as 1p or use any paper you have at home. Place the paper against the door seal and close the door. When you try to pull the paper out, you should feel some resistance. If the paper slides out easily, your door seal may need replacing.”
Staying cool in the heat
The UKHSA’s hot weather guidance includes:
- keeping your home cool by closing windows and curtains in rooms that face the sun – and remember that it may be cooler outdoors than indoors
- looking out for those who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated – older people, those with underlying conditions and those who live alone are particularly at risk
- drinking plenty of fluids and avoiding excess alcohol
- never leaving anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals
- checking that fridges, freezers and fans are working properly
- avoiding direct sunlight, especially between 11am and 3pm when UV levels are highest – if you do go outside, cover up with suitable clothing, such as a hat and sunglasses, and seek shade and apply sunscreen regularly
- walking in the shade, applying sunscreen and wearing a wide-brimmed hat if you have to go out in the heat
- avoiding physical exertion in the hottest parts of the day
- making sure you take water with you if you are travelling
