Posted on Friday 11th July 2025
The county council has shared some hot tips to stay cool, with an amber health alert now in place across Staffordshire.
With an amber heat health alert in place across the county, Staffordshire County Council is helping residents to stay cool and safe as they look forward to enjoying the sunshine.
With temperatures set to soar to a sizzling 31°C across Staffordshire, an amber heat health alert has been issued for many parts of the country, and it’s sticking around until Tuesday 14 July.
In response, the county council is offering simple guidance to help people stay safe, cool and well during the hot spell.
The public are also being reminded of the dangers associated with swimming in unsupervised open water as well as lighting fires or using disposable barbecues in country parks due to the increased wildfire risk.
Last week, the county council’s countryside rangers discovered a campfire that was still burning and had started to spread through the woodland, edging closer to the rare and precious heathland. Thanks to Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service’s quick attendance, the blaze was extinguished it before it could cause further damage.
Hayley Coles, Staffordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture, said:
“With the next few days set to be a scorcher, we’re urging people to have fun but also stay safe with our top tips.
“Open water might seem inviting in this heat but it can be extremely dangerous, even for experienced swimmers. In dry conditions, it only takes one spark to start a wildfire, so please avoid using disposable barbecues or lighting fires at our country parks. Please also make sure all rubbish and cigarette ends are put in bins or taken home.
“Let’s all enjoy the warm weather safely and responsibly.”
Top tips for ‘beating the heat’ include:
- Looking out for others, especially older people, young children and babies and those with underlying health conditions.
- Closing curtains in rooms that face the sun to keep indoor spaces cooler. Remember: it may be cooler outdoors than indoors.
- Drinking plenty of water as sugary, alcoholic and caffeinated drinks can make you more dehydrated.
- Never leaving anyone in a closed and parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals.
- Keeping out of the sun between 11am and 3pm.
- Walking in the shade, applying sunscreen and wearing a hat if you must go outside in the heat.
- Putting your hand on the ground to check it is not too hot to walk your dog. If it is too hot for your hand, it will be too hot for their paws. Walk them in shaded areas and take water for them too.
- Avoiding physical exertion in the hottest parts of the day.
- Wearing light, loose fitting cotton clothes.
- Ensuring you take water with you if you are travelling.
If you're planning to enjoy the sunshine at Cannock Chase Country Park, please remember:
- Cannock Chase is home to precious heathland habitats, which are globally rarer than rainforests.
- In this heat, the risk of wildfires is dangerously high. One spark could devastate this rare and beautiful landscape.
- Dogs must be kept on leads and please bin your dog poo. It’s not just about cleanliness, it’s about protecting biodiversity and keeping the area safe for wildlife and visitors.
- No barbecues or open flames. Even disposable barbecues can cause devastating fires.
- Take all litter and cigarette ends home or use bins provided.
- Please park only in designated car parks. Parking on roadside cut-ins damages our precious Chase and its fragile habitats