Cool Spaces in York

A Cool Space is somewhere you can go, free of charge, to spend time to keep cool if you're struggling in the heat.

• Cool Spaces
• Keep Cool tips - how to cool down
• Keeping schools safe during hot weather

Cool Spaces

Due to the recurring heatwaves and unprecedented temperatures, many people are finding it difficult to keep cool in the heat.

Cool spaces are indoor venues where people can spend time during warm weather and help to reduce health risks from heat. They offer a comfortable place to rest and cool down.

Cool spaces are not intended to provide medical care or specialist support. Instead, they typically offer:

• shelter from the sun
• free drinking water
• a place to cool down
• seating and resting areas

See details of Cool Spaces in York, which may offer some relief and respite from extreme heat and sun, and provide within their space seating, air cooling or cooler room temperatures, and light refreshments such as tap water or water bottle refills.

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Keep Cool tips - how to cool down

Due to the recurring heatwaves and unprecedented temperatures, many people are finding it difficult to keep cool in the heat.

Here are some top tips to help you stay cool and keep yourself and others safe in hot weather:

• stay hydrated and drink water
• keep in cooler rooms and shaded areas
• check in on family, friends and neighbours

If you or someone else has symptoms of heat exhaustion:

• move to a cooler place such as a room with air conditioning or somewhere in the shade, avoid direct sunlight
• remove all unnecessary clothing, like a jacket or socks
• drink cool water, a sports or rehydration drink, or eat cold and water rich foods like ice-lollies
• apply cool water by spray or sponge to exposed skin, and using cold packs wrapped in a cloth and put under the armpits or on the neck can also help

You should start to cool down and feel better within 30 minutes.

If you are concerned about symptoms, or they are worsening, seek medical advice by contacting NHS 111. In an emergency, or if you think someone has heatstroke, dial 999.

See Beat the Heat guidance from GOV.UK for Further help with keeping cool and taking care of your health in extreme heat.

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Keeping schools safe during hot weather

The School Heat Checklist has been developed to support schools in preparing for and responding to periods of hot weather and UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) Heat Health Alerts.

The aim is to help schools take simple, practical steps to reduce the health impacts of extreme heat on pupils, staff and visitors while maintaining education wherever it is safe to do so.

School Heat Checklist

Hydration:

• ensure access to drinking water
• encourage pupils to drink regularly
• allow water bottles in lessons

Learning:

• move teaching to cooler rooms where possible
• reduce strenuous PE and outdoor activities between 11.00am and 3.00pm
• use shaded areas

Buildings:

• close blinds on sun-facing windows before rooms heat up
• ventilate when outdoor temperatures are cooler
• switch off unnecessary electrical equipment

Protect:

• consider flexible uniform arrangements
• encourage hats and sunscreen outdoors
• identify and monitor pupils more vulnerable to heat

Staff:

• remind staff to stay hydrated
• review outdoor duties
• recognise signs of heat exhaustion

Communication:

• monitor Heat Health Alerts
• inform parents of any timetable or activity changes
• review local risk assessments

National guidance

• Looking after children and those in early years settings before and during hot weather (UKHSA)
• Hot weather and heatwaves: guidance for schools and other education settings (Department for Education)

The School Heat Checklist should be used alongside local emergency planning arrangements, Heat Health Alerts and the school's own health and safety policies.

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Also see

• Help with food
• Community venues
• Severe weather advice
• Local Area Coordinators