Residential Home Summer Safety Checklist
When temperatures rise, it’s important that your residential home is ready to tackle the heat so that your clients stay safe, cool and comfortable—even during heatwaves.
Older adults and vulnerable people are particularly at risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion and even heatstroke when temperatures rise. As a care home manager, we know your number one priority is the safety and wellbeing of your clients.
With the right planning, systems and support in place, you can keep your residential home cool, calm and safe all summer long.
Let’s walk through some of the key steps to take — and how Brooktech can help.
Residential Home Summer Safety – What You Need to Know
Don’t Wait for the Heat to Arrive
Heatwaves don’t always come with much warning. Having a residential home summer safety plan in place before the temperatures spike will allow you to act quickly and confidently.
Ask yourself:
- Is your air conditioning fully operational?
- Are refreshment stations stocked and accessible?
- Can windows be opened safely, without letting insects in?
- Are shaded or cool spaces available throughout the day?
If you’re unsure about any of these, it’s time to take action.
Stay Cool: Air Conditioning and Ventilation
In a heatwave, the comfort of your clients relies heavily on a functioning air conditioning system. If it’s not been serviced recently, now is the time.
A poorly maintained system not only works less efficiently but can also circulate dust and bacteria — the last thing you want in a care environment. At Brooktech, we maintain and service air conditioning systems in residential homes just like yours, helping you deliver safe, comfortable cooling when it’s needed most.
If your system is outdated or underperforming, we can advise on energy-efficient upgrades that won’t disrupt daily routines.
Hydration, Hydration, Hydration
We know you already encourage clients to drink plenty of fluids — but making water easily accessible is just as important.
Think about installing or upgrading water coolers in communal areas.
Add labelled refill stations and consider portable hydration trolleys for those who may struggle to access refreshments independently.
Brooktech can assist with fitting and maintaining chilled water systems so you never run dry.
It’s all part of a practical approach to residential home summer safety.
Combat Insects Without Blocking the Breeze
Hot weather means open windows — but that can also mean insects. And for clients with sensitive skin or health concerns, insect bites can lead to infections or allergic reactions.
We can help you install discreet insect traps or fit mesh screens to windows and doors. That way, you can maintain airflow without inviting in uninvited guests.
Safety in Shading
Some of your clients may be particularly vulnerable to heat. Providing indoor areas with adjustable blinds or blackout curtains can make a big difference, especially in rooms facing the sun.
Brooktech can also check or install window restrictors, allowing windows to remain safely open at night or early morning when it’s cooler — while protecting security and compliance.
Keep Your Plumbing Cool Too
Hot weather isn’t just a problem for people, it affects your plumbing and water systems too! Slow water flow or stagnant areas in pipework can increase the risk of bacterial growth, including Legionella.
Brooktech offers plumbing maintenance services, including water tank cleaning, pipe checks, and valve testing.
It’s a simple way to maintain safe water temperature and quality in your home.
Electrical Safety Matters
When a heatwave hits, portable fans are often the quickest fix. They’re a great way to bring immediate relief to clients, especially in rooms that don’t benefit from direct air conditioning. But just like any electrical appliance, they need to be maintained and used with care.
Old or poorly maintained fans can present a fire hazard. Frayed cords, overheating motors or blocked vents are warning signs that shouldn’t be ignored. If fans have been stored in cupboards for months, it’s essential a professional gives them a proper check before you plug them in and make sure they have been recently PAT tested.
Look After Your Staff, Too
Let’s not forget your team. Staff play a vital role in keeping clients hydrated and comfortable, but they can’t do that if they’re overheating and fatigued themselves.
Make sure they’ve got access to refreshments, working fans, shaded areas and time to take breaks.
A well-supported team creates a safer, calmer environment for everyone.
Plan Ahead For Residential Home Summer Safety – Even If Everything Seems Fine
One of the key elements of residential home summer safety is having systems and checks in place before a problem arises.
That’s where Brooktech’s planned maintenance packages really come into their own. We work around your schedule, even out of hours if needed, to keep your systems running, reduce emergency callouts, and keep your residential home ready for any challenge.
Let’s Get Your Residential Home Summer-Ready
We support residential homes like yours with:
- Air conditioning servicing and upgrades
- Plumbing maintenance and water system checks
- Planned maintenance programmes for peace of mind
- Advice and general maintenance
- PAT Testing
- And more
Let Brooktech take care of the technical side so you can focus on your clients.
Whether you’re preparing for a heatwave or just want to feel confident that your systems are in great shape, Brooktech is here to help.
📞 Get in touch today and ask us about a site visit or a summer-ready check-up.
