Dorset Police news site

Dorset Police is issuing advice to residents and visitors to ensure they can stay safe and have a good safe summer as temperatures soar in the county.

A red heat-health warning has been issued by the UK Health Security Agency covering Dorset, which means the severe heatwave could have impacts beyond health and social care.

The Force is working with partners to ensure you stay safe and is issuing the following advice:

• Dogs can die in hot cars. Even at just 22 degrees Celsius outside, the inside of the car could reach an unbearable 47 degrees within an hour. If you’ve got concerns for a hot dog in a car that is showing signs of distress, call 999. Be mindful of walking dogs on hot surfaces such as tarmac and sand as paws can burn easily.
• Remember to carry extra water in your vehicle in case of breakdowns and be aware that road conditions may be different in extreme heat. Take extra care to avoid being involved in a road traffic collision and putting additional pressure on emergency services.
• Cold water shock can affect even the strongest of swimmers and our coastal waters have not warmed up in line with the air temperature. Only swim at designated, supervised locations and keep a close eye on children near open water. If you get into trouble, remember RNLI advice – float to live.
• Children or vulnerable people often get separated from their loved ones on our beaches and are reported missing. Agree a designated meeting point with loved ones and take a photo on a phone of what people are wearing that day to help them be identified faster if you’re separated.
• Don’t have barbecues or campfires on heaths or in open spaces – the risk of a fire starting is too great. Barbecues and campfires are actually banned in many country parks, campsites and open spaces, so make sure you check you’re following the rules.
• While it is important to keep windows and doors open to circulate air and keep cool, remember not to make your property or vehicle vulnerable to theft or burglary. Around one in three burglaries and thefts from vehicles are caused by a criminal spotting an open door or window.
• Calls to emergency services increase significantly during warm weather. Over the late May bank holiday weekend, Dorset Police saw a 69 per cent increase in calls to 999 versus the previous year. Please make sensible choices and only call 999 if a crime is in progress or there is danger to life. Use the Force website for anything else or call 101. 

Chief Superintendent Gavin Dudfield, of Dorset Police, said: “As we welcome residents and visitors to Dorset to enjoy our open spaces and coastline, we see a significant increse in demand on our services and it is vital that we do all we can to ensure everyone can have a good safe summer.

“Our teams are working tirelessly around the clock, having answered over 3,000 calls to 999 and attending over 1,000 incidents in the past seven days alone, ensuring we can protect vulnerable people and bring offenders to justice.

“We’re asking members of the public to play their part and reduce pressure on emergency services by making sensible choices and follow official advice.”