🌞 Staying Safe During a Heatwave

🌞 Staying Safe During a Heatwave

Hot weather isn’t just uncomfortable—it can pose serious health risks, especially for vulnerable groups. During periods of extreme heat, the NHS urges everyone to take precautions to protect themselves and others.

Whether you’re at home, working, or caring for others, the advice below will help you stay safe and well during a heatwave.

🔍 Who’s Most at Risk in Hot Weather?

While high temperatures affect everyone, certain groups are more vulnerable to heat-related illness. You may be more at risk if you:

• Are aged over 65
• Are a baby or young child
• Have long-term conditions such as heart, lung, kidney, or diabetes
• Have a mental health condition
• Are taking certain medications (e.g. diuretics, antihypertensives, antidepressants)
• Are unable to adapt your environment (e.g. living alone, or with dementia)
• Spend lots of time outside or in hot environments (e.g. outdoor workers)

📄 Beat the Heat – GOV.UK Easy Read Leaflet (PDF)

If you or someone you care for falls into one of these groups, please take extra precautions.

✅ How to Stay Cool and Well

You don’t need air conditioning to protect yourself—just a few simple steps can make a big difference.

🏠 Keep Your Environment Cool

• Close curtains or blinds on windows that face the sun
• Keep windows closed during the day and open them at night when it’s cooler
• Turn off non-essential lights and electrical equipment that generate heat
• Use fans in well-ventilated rooms or sit near open windows (but not in direct sunlight)

💧 Stay Hydrated

• Drink plenty of fluids – aim for 6–8 glasses of water daily
• Avoid too much alcohol, tea, and coffee as they can dehydrate you
• Eat cold foods like salads and fruit with high water content (e.g. watermelon, cucumber)

👕 Dress for the Weather

• Wear light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing made of natural fibres like cotton
• Use wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses if going outdoors

🌳 Be Sun Smart

• Stay out of the sun between 11am and 3pm, when UV rays are strongest
• Stick to shaded areas if you need to go outside
• Avoid strenuous physical activity in the heat – especially during peak hours

🧊 Cool Your Body

• Take cool (not cold) showers or baths
• Dab a damp cloth on your skin, or place your feet in cool water
• Use a handheld fan or battery-powered mist spray when out and about

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Check on Others

• Regularly check in on elderly relatives, neighbours, or anyone you know who might struggle in the heat
• Make sure they’re drinking enough, staying cool, and not showing signs of heat exhaustion

📘 Full NHS & UKHSA Heatwave Guidance

🚨 Warning Signs: When to Get Help

Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion happens when the body is overheating but still trying to cool itself. Watch out for:

• Headache or dizziness
• Muscle cramps
• Heavy sweating
• Pale, clammy skin
• Nausea or vomiting
• Weakness or tiredness

🕒 Act quickly: Move the person to a cool place, give them water, and cool their skin. They should start to feel better within 30 minutes.

If symptoms persist, call NHS 111.

Heatstroke

Heatstroke is a medical emergency. It happens when the body can no longer cool itself and body temperature becomes dangerously high.

📞 Call 999 immediately if someone has:

• Confusion, disorientation, or unresponsiveness
• Very hot, dry skin (no sweating)
• Rapid breathing or pulse
• Seizures or collapses
• A body temperature of 40°C (104°F) or above

🎥 Watch: NHS Video on Heatstroke & Heat Exhaustion

📞 Need Medical Advice?

• Call NHS 111 if you’re feeling unwell or need urgent advice that isn’t life-threatening
• Call 999 in an emergency (e.g. signs of heatstroke or collapse)

💬 Final Reminder

We encourage all patients and carers to be heat-aware. During a heatwave:

• Stay cool
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Look out for vulnerable friends, family, and neighbours

Stay safe this summer.