Spain has so far this year seen the arrival of heatwave after heatwave and at Age Concern Marbella and San Pedro, we have already issued some advice on how to stay cool.
Possibly more dangerous than suffering from the heat is the fact that wildfires are once again springing up all over the country and there have been several deaths, with victims mainly, (according to the Junta de Andalucia) being foreign nationals.
Here are a few tips of how to behave if you are unlucky enough to be caught in a fire.
Firstly, never ignore an evacuation order, don´t stop to film the fire or try to put it out yourself, don´t return until the authorities say it is safe to do so and don´t take the kitchen sink with you, just pack essentials including identity documents, cash, mobile phones and some food and drink.
If you are caught outdoors and spot a fire, move away from it, making sure that the wind is not going to blow it towards you and if you enter any area that has already been burnt, it is probably safer to remain there unless a clear line of escape is obvious.
If possible wet a handkerchief and breathe through that keeping as low to the ground as possible and never take refuge in caves as oxygen can quickly run out
Should you be caught in your car, then try to find a patch where vegetation has already been burned, close doors and windows, switch off the ventilation so that smoke cannot enter and turn on the lights, so that rescue teams can locate the vehicle.
Don´t stop in the middle of a smoke covered road as that is doubly dangerous and equally don´t drive into smoke filled areas as you could easily crash into an obstacle.
If you receive instructions about the route to take to escape the flames follow them, don´t wander down paths or secondary roads.
If your clothes catch fire, avoid running, as this could intensify the flames but lie down on the ground and roll over until the fire is out and then do not try to remove the burnt clothing, as it may be stuck to the skin.
Assuming you have your phone with you, call emergency services and explain the situation especially if you are with someone who has been burnt.
Most of these suggestions may seem obvious but people can panic in a stressful situation.
Stay safe this summer and don´t forget that Age Concern Marbella is here to help
