Keeping your home cool
Homes across Kent can heat up quickly during long sunny days. This is often more noticeable in flats or newer homes, and in towns where there’s less shade.
Here are a few simple things that can help:
- Close curtains or blinds in sunny rooms during the day
- Open windows later in the evening or overnight when it cools down
- Turn off lights and electrical items you’re not using
- Use a fan if the room is below 35°C, but don’t aim it directly at yourself for too long
- Check your heating is turned off.
Important: Please don’t remove or adjust window restrictors in your home.
If you live closer to the coast, a sea breeze can help. Inland, in places like Maidstone or Swanley, it can feel hotter and stiller, so it’s even more important to keep air moving through your home.
If it feels cooler outside, sitting in the shade or visiting a local place like a library or supermarket can help you cool down.
If there’s a problem with your ventilation, you can’t open your windows safely, or your home is getting too hot, you can report it to us using our online report a repair form.
If you'd like to speak to someone, you can call us on 01732 749400 or 0800 169 1122 (freephone).
Looking out for each other
Hot weather can affect anyone. But some people can feel it more, including older residents, young children and people with health conditions.
During periods like this, checking in on someone nearby can make a real difference.
That might be a neighbour in Swanley, a friend in Sevenoaks, or family in Maidstone. A quick call, a visit or offering a bit of help can go a long way.
For more information about keeping safe during the warm weather, visit Kent County Council's website.