Hot weather advice
Keeping safe in hot weather
Hot weather can affect anyone’s health, but certain groups are at a higher risk of becoming seriously unwell.
During a heatwave, check in on elderly or sick neighbours, family and friends.
Explore our practical tips for coping with hot weather below. For more advice and information, visit the Government website.
Keep yourself cool
- Drink plenty of fluids and avoid excessive alcohol and sugary drinks
- Wear SPF50 sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses
- Cool your skin with water and slow down
- Avoid direct sunlight between 11am and 3pm
- Use fans if below 35 degrees Celsius; avoid blowing air directly on your body as this can cause dehydration
Plan ahead
- Check the weather forecast and the news
- Plan ahead to avoid the heat
- Schedule activities to cooler times of the day
- Turn off unused lights and electrical equipment
Find somewhere cool
- Close blinds and curtains during the day
- Go indoors or outdoors, whichever feels cooler
- Avoid closed spaces like stationary cars
- Seek shade or cool indoor spaces
- Shade prams with a parasol
Be safe
- Be on the lookout for signs of heat related illness inluding heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
- Look after yourself and check in with others
- Stay safe when swimming
- Get help. Call NHS 111 or in an emergency 999
Cool spaces
Cool spaces are indoor spaces for residents to shelter from the sun, cool down, rest and take respite on hot days.
They may help reduce health risks from hot weather. However, they are not designed to support vulnerable individuals on hot days, or a medical care substitute if someone is unwell from overheating.
Cool spaces in Tower Hamlets
Cool spaces
| Location | Opening hours | Facilities |
|---|
|
Cubitt Town Library,
Strattondale Street
E14 3HG
|
Monday to Wednesday,10am to 6pm
Thursday, 10am to 8pm
Saturday, 9am to 5pm.
|
Water dispenser, toilets.
|
|
East London Mosque,
82-92 Whirechapel Road
E1 1JQ
|
Monday to Sunday, 11am to 7pm
|
Water dispenser, toilets, air conditioning.
|
|
Feldy Centre,
18 Aberfeldy Square
E14 0XA
|
Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm
|
Water dispenser, toilets, air conditioning.
|
|
Idea Store Bow,
1 Gladstone Place Roman Road
E3 5ES
|
Monday to Thursday, 9am to 9pm
Friday, 9am to 6pm
Saturday, 9am to 5pm
Sunday, 11am to 3pm.
|
Water dispenser, toilets, air conditioning.
|
|
Idea Store Canary Wharf,
Churchill Place
E14 5RB
|
Monday to Thursday, 9am to 9pm
Friday 9am to 6pm
Saturday 9am to 5pm
Sunday 11am to 3pm
|
Water dispenser, toilets, air conditioning.
|
|
Idea Store Watney Market,
260 Commercial Road, E1 2FB
|
Monday to Thursday, 9am to 9pm
Friday 9am to 6pm
Saturday 9am to 5pm
Sunday 11am to 3pm
|
Water dispenser, toilets, air handling system that maintains the temperature.
|
|
St Paul's Way Centre,
83 St Paul's Way
E3 4AJ
|
Monday to Saturday, 9am to 5pm
|
Water dispenser, toilets, air conditioning.
|
|
The Common Press,
118 Bethnal Green Road
E2 6DG
|
Tuesday to Sunday, 11am-6:30pm
|
Water dispenser, toilets, air conditioning.
|
|
The People's Letters,
395 Cambridge Heath Road
E2 9RA
|
Monday to Sunday, 11am-7pm
|
Water dispenser, toilets, natural cooling/ventilation.
|
|
Town Hall, Ground Floor,
160 Whitechapel Rd London
E1 1BJ
|
Monday to Friday, 8am to 7pm
|
Water dispenser, toilets, air conditioning.
|
Families with a child under the age of eleven are also welcome to use one of our Best Start Family Hubs and Children and Family Centres.
Water points
In addition to cool spaces, there are water fountains across the borough:
- Millwall Park
- Shadwell Station
- St John's Park
- Wapping Gardens
- Victoria Park
Homelessness and rough sleeping
If you are concerned about someone sleeping rough during the hot weather, you can send an alert to StreetLink.
Your report helps local outreach teams identify people who may need support, especially during periods of hot weather. When you submit a report, the local outreach team will visit the location on their next shift to check on the person’s welfare, offer support and advice, and discuss available options based on their individual needs and choices.
Swimming
Shadwell Basin is a dangerous place to swim and people have drowned. The water is very cold and deep, and there are hidden obstacles.
There are safer places to swim:
You are putting your life and the lives of those with you in danger if you try to swim at Shadwell. You could also be fined £100. Tower Hamlets Enforcement Officers will be patrolling.
If you see someone in trouble, call 999. If you get into trouble anywhere in water, remember to lie on your back and float to live. See the RNLI campaign.
