Severe weather
Adverse Weather - Heat waves, freezing conditions, Flooding
While freak weather incidents like Hurricane Katrina are unlikely to affect Barnet, the borough has suffered from flooding, heatwaves and other extreme weather in the past.
The council has formulated plans to deal with such erratic weather conditions, but there is information which is available to residents to help deal with such events. Always check the Met Office for up to date weather information. Visit the Department of Health to download the Heat wave plan for 2011.
If the borough were to be subject to a severe weather incident, you may be asked to evacuate your home or place of work. Please respond promptly and in an organised fashion to any directions given to you by either local authority or emergency services officers.
Hot Weather
Hot weather is particularly hazardous to older people, especially older women, babies and young children, people with heart complaints, people with a high temperature due to illness and people who are naturally active such as manual workers or sports men and women.
If a heat wave is forecast, try to plan your day in a way that allows you to stay out of the heat. If you are going out, try to stay in the shade if possible. Otherwise wear a hat and light, loose fitting clothes made from cotton. Take plenty of water with you and apply sun screen lotion. If you have any physical activity planned for the day, like sports, DIY or gardening, arrange it for cooler parts of the day, like early morning or evening.
Reduce heat buildup in the home by limiting the amount of sunlight coming through the windows. External shading, e.g. shutters, is best. Metal blinds and dark curtains may absorb heat and make the room warmer; it is best to use pale curtains or reflective material.
Extreme Cold Weather
The UK is fortunate that it does not experience extreme cold weather such as the winter of 2010 regularly. However climatic changes mean that we can now expect such freak weather conditions a bit more frequently. In extreme cold weather, stay indoors if possible. Keep curtains drawn and doors closed to block out draughts. Have regular hot drinks and at least one hot meal a day if possible. Eating regularly helps keep energy levels up during winter. Outside, wear several light layers of warm clothes (rather than one thick layer).
Flooding
Flooding can occur with little or no warning. All homeowners should be aware if they live in a flood plain. If you believe your property may be at risk, you can sign up to the Environment Agencies Flood Line Programme where warning updates are sent out periodically.
Email this pageLast modified by: Webmaster on 27/09/2011