London Fire Brigade has issued further safety advice today after the Met Office issued a heat health warning for extreme heat next week.
London Fire Brigade’s Assistant Commissioner, Pat Goulbourne, said: “The Met Office has issued a warning for extreme heat on Monday and Tuesday and we’re urging people to continue to take extra care and help us prevent fires on open land.
“Make sure rubbish, especially glass, is safely thrown away and cigarettes are always properly disposed of. Grass will be tinder dry after such hot weather, so please don’t have barbecues in parks and public spaces.
"Disposable barbecues that have been abandoned can still end up causing a fire as hot coals can smoulder and pose a real fire risk for some time after the flames die down – they need to be put right out and cooled before being safely thrown away.
“We would also ask people not to barbecue on balconies. It’s easier than you might think for a balcony fire to spread to others, which could not only leave you homeless but displace hundreds of your neighbours too.
“People will want to cool down but don’t dive into open water as it’s colder than it looks. There is the risk of cold water shock, which can cause your body to go into shock no matter how fit you are. It causes panic, anxiety, disorientation and loss of muscular control, which cause you to gasp for air and as a result, inhale water. Rather than struggling, follow the RNLI advice and 'float to live'.
“In this extreme heat, please keep an eye out for vulnerable neighbours and family members and make sure you keep hydrated.”