Staying safe during the heat

At this time of year most of us look forward to some warm, sunny weather and the chance to spend time outdoors, but it’s important to remember that some people struggle to cope in the heat. The good news is, we can all take precautions that allow us to enjoy the hot weather safely and help people who might be more vulnerable as the temperatures rise.

Who is at risk?

Anyone can become unwell when the weather is hot. People who are at higher risk of becoming seriously unwell include:

• older people aged 65 years and over 
• babies and young children aged 5 years and under 
• people with underlying health conditions particularly heart problems, breathing problems, dementia, diabetes, kidney disease, Parkinson’s disease, or mobility problems 
• pregnant women 
• people on certain medications 
• people with serious mental health problems 
• people who are already ill and dehydrated (for example from diarrhoea and vomiting) 
• people who experience alcohol or drug dependence 
• people who are physically active and spend a lot of time outside such as runners, cyclists and walkers 
• people who work in jobs that require manual labour or extensive time outside 
• people experiencing homelessness, including rough sleepers and those who are unable to make adaptations to their living accommodation such as sofa surfers or living in hostels. 
• people who live alone and may be unable to care for themselves

There are a few very simple things we can all to do stay safe when we experience high temperatures. This includes looking out for people who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated. Get in touch with friends, family or neighbours that may need help keeping cool. Staying cool indoors is important, taking action like closing curtains on rooms that face the sun but also remembering that it may be cooler outdoors than indoors.

And if you’re out and about, try to keep out of the sun and avoid physical exertion in the hottest part of the day. It is often cooler in the early mornings and in the evenings but check local weather forecasts to see conditions in your area. When out in the sun think about covering up with suitable clothing, wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses and applying SPF 30+ sunscreen with UVA protection.

There’s lots more information online to help you stay safe during hot weather. Visit the UKHSA and NHS websites including their pages on how to beat the heat and on heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Met Office also have information on their WeatherReady campaign which you may also find useful.

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£10,000 funding available for projects that benefit community infrastructure within Keynsham.

Keynsham Town Council is inviting local groups, charities and organisations to apply for a share of Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding for projects that improve community infrastructure within Keynsham.

*Community Infrastructure Levy is a proportion (15%) of the planning charge that B&NES Council receive from developers of new building projects in the Keynsham area.*

Key eligibility points:

• Projects must provide a clear benefit to the local community.

• Funding must be used for infrastructure or capital type improvements (not general running costs).

• Projects should align with local priorities and planning obligations.

• Applicants must demonstrate how the project will be delivered and managed.

• Some types of expenditure may not be eligible (see full policy for details).

Important This funding scheme is separate from the Keynsham Town Council Community Grant Awards, if you have applied for funding through the Community Grant Awards scheme but feel this opportunity is more in line with your request, please withdraw your application before you have received confirmation of award and re-submit through the CIL scheme. (Applicants can only apply for one scheme).

Residents are also encouraged to come forward and suggest infrastructure projects that could benefit from the scheme.

Apply Today! 

CIL Funding Application Form Application window closes Friday 11th September 2026.

CIL Policy 

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Schedule of Meetings 2026/2027