Heatwave survival

[Fred]

With the UK warning people about the heatwave and the weather forecast for this area saying it's going to get hotter, I thought it would be a good idea to have some tips on how to survive a heatwave.

What you should do:

• Keep out of the sun from 11am – 3pm.
  
• Avoid coffee and alcohol.
  
• Avoid hot meals.
  
• Avoid protein-rich meals.
  
• Drink plenty of water.
  
• Eat plenty of fresh vegetables.
  
• Keep your shutters closed during the day.
  

Tips to keep cool:

• Visit public buildings with air conditioning.
  
• Downstairs is usually cooler than upstairs.
  
• Keep a spray bottle filled with cold water in the fridge.
  
• Take cool showers, and use moisturisers.
  
• Wear a sun hat.
  
• Wet towel or a bag of frozen peas can cool your head.
  

What to watch for:

• Heat Cramps.
  
• Heat Rash/Bumps.
  
• Heat Exhaustion.
  
• Heat Stroke.
  
• If you feel sick, faint, weak, or nauseas get to a cool place, sip water and try to cool your body down.
  
• If your body stops sweating and you feel confused and lethargic, you should consider getting professional advice from a GP or Hospital.
  

Please remember to keep an eye on the sick, the elderly, and don’t forget the animals too.

Problems to watch for in pets are:

• Rapid panting.
  
• Wide eyes.
  
• Lots of drooling.
  
• Hot skin.
  
• Twitching muscles.
  
• Vomiting.
  
• Dazed look.
  

At the moment France has not issued any warnings but you may want to keep an eye on the Carte de Vigilance for updates.

If you have any other tips please share.

Enjoy the sun but be careful.

[Admiral]

Nice list of stuff Fred.

Myself and Madame Admiral just stick to the shade come midday onwards and thereafter throw ourselves under the garden shower.

Seems to work for us although I didn't think it had been that hot recently. Maybe we've just gone native - our French chums seem to think the weather is rather lovely at the moment.

Pip pip.

[Steve]

Keep the hydration up - that's so important - although not so bleeding easy to do out here at the moment as it's Ramadan.

Having to run around behind closed doors simply to have a glass of water and not get banged up in the clink

[Admiral]

Blimey Steve. Change jobs man. Don't want you behind bars for imbibing an illegle glass of hooch. I assume we're talking proper "refreshments" and not a glass of water. If you are only talking about a glass of water get out quick. Sure petrol might be cheap but hey.......there are priorities in life and vin rouge is one.

[Steve]

Yes, I do mean even water - you can't drink, eat, smoke (or even have sex) in public - mind you that last one is frownd upon all year round

Ya, gets used to it though and when I get home I get a secret little pleasure from standing at the balcony windows supping a nice glass of home made wine whilst chowing down on some cheese during daylight hours knowing that others out there are starving themselves.

Little things and little wins like that make it sort of right.

[Willow17]

Having lived in Saudi Arabia, we were told to take 'Salt tablets' to counteract the loss of salt when sweating. It worked for us. Would think you'd be able to buy them from the Pharmacy here. e
Rock salt on tomatoes is another quick way.
Stay cool