Stay safe during the heat
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Staying safe in the hot weather: Beat the heat: staying safe in hot weather – GOV.UK
Why some people suffer more than others during heatwaves : Why some people suffer more than others during heatwaves – UK Health Security Agency
Staying safe during the heat
At this time of year most of us look forward to some warm, sunny weather and the chance to spend time outdoors, but it’s important to remember that some people struggle to cope in the heat. The good news is, we can all take precautions that allow us to enjoy the hot weather safely and help people who might be more vulnerable as the temperatures rise. Remember to…
Drink plenty of water
Wear sunscreen
Avoid the midday sun where possible
Check in on elderly relatives and neighbours
Who is at risk?
Anyone can become unwell when the weather is hot. People who are at higher risk of becoming seriously unwell include:
- older people aged 65 years and over
- babies and young children aged 5 years and under
- people with underlying health conditions particularly heart problems, breathing problems, dementia, diabetes, kidney disease, Parkinson’s disease, or mobility problems
- pregnant women
- people on certain medications
- people with serious mental health problems
- people who are already ill and dehydrated (for example from diarrhoea and vomiting)
- people who experience alcohol or drug dependence
- people who are physically active and spend a lot of time outside such as runners, cyclists and walkers
- people who work in jobs that require manual labour or extensive time outside
- people experiencing homelessness, including rough sleepers and those who are unable to make adaptations to their living accommodation such as sofa surfers or living in hostels.
- people who live alone and may be unable to care for themselves
What can we do to stay safe?
There are a few very simple things we can all to do stay safe when we experience high temperatures.
This includes looking out for people who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated. Get in touch with friends, family or neighbours that may need help keeping cool. Staying cool indoors is important, taking action like closing curtains on rooms that face the sun but also remembering that it may be cooler outdoors than indoors.
And if you’re out and about, try to keep out of the sun and avoid physical exertion in the hottest part of the day. It is often cooler in the early mornings and in the evenings but check local weather forecasts to see conditions in your area. When out in the sun think about covering up with suitable clothing, wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses and applying SPF 30+ sunscreen with UVA protection.
Anyone can become unwell when the weather is hot, but some are at higher risk than others. Look out for older people, people with long-term health conditions and young children who may find it more difficult to stay cool and hydrated in hot weather
Check in on older friends, family and neighbours, particularly those who live alone, who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated during the hot weather
Don’t leave babies, children, older people or vulnerable people or pets alone in stationary cars in hot weather
Look out for children in prams or pushchairs in hot weather; keep them in the shade, remove excess clothing, ensure there is adequate air flow and check regularly to ensure they are not overheated
Babies and young children need additional sun safety measures.. Babies under 6 months should not be exposed to direct sunlight, while older babies should be kept out of the sun whenever possible.
Heart conditions – Hot weather can put extra strain on the heart. Stay hydrated (unless specifically advised otherwise), avoid strenuous activity in peak heat, and seek medical advice if you develop worsening breathlessness, dizziness, swelling or chest discomfort.
Respiratory conditions – Heat, humidity and poor air quality can worsen asthma and lung conditions. Continue Ensure that you take all prescribed medication, carry your reliever inhaler, check air quality/pollen forecasts. If your condition requires, escalate your treatment in line with your asthma/COPD treatment plan. Seek advice if symptoms worsen.
Diabetes – Hot weather can affect blood glucose levels and increase dehydration risk. Check glucose regularly, store insulin/medicines correctly, drink water often, and seek advice if blood sugars become difficult to control.
Kidney disease – People with kidney disease are at higher risk of dehydration in hot weather. Follow your fluid advice, watch for dizziness, headaches or reduced urine output, and contact your healthcare team if concerned.
Dementia and cognitive impairment – People with dementia may not recognise overheating or dehydration. Offer regular drinks, keep rooms cool, encourage lightweight clothing, and check regularly for signs of dehydration (reduced urine output) or heat exhaustion.
Mental health conditions – Hot weather can affect mental wellbeing and how the body regulates temperature. Stay connected with family, friends and support services, keep regular routines where possible, and seek help if your mental health worsens.
Drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol during the hot weather
Avoid extreme physical exertion during the hot weather. If you can’t avoid strenuous outdoor activity, try to do it during cooler time of the day such as the early morning or the evening
Keep your home cool by closing windows and curtains in rooms that face the sun
Stay out of direct sunshine, especially between 11am and 3pm, as UV rays are strongest during these hours
If you’re going out during these times walk in the shade, apply sunscreen, wear a hat, sunglasses and light, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothes
Apply sunscreen frequently of at least SPF 30 and 4 or 5 star ultraviolet A (UVA) protection regularly to exposed skin
Look out for symptoms of heat related illnesses in yourself and others during hot weather
If you or others feel dizzy, weak, sick or are intensely thirsty during hot weather, this may be heat exhaustion. Move to a cool place, rehydrate and cool your body down
Rest immediately in a cool place if you have painful muscular spasms and drink plenty of cool drinks. Seek medical attention if you feel unusual symptoms or if symptoms persist
A high temperature, confusion and breathing fast can be symptoms of heat stroke, which is a medical emergency. Other serious symptoms include skin that is no longer sweating and seizures. If you suspect someone has heatstroke, call 999, put them in
the recovery position and keep trying to cool the person down.
Move to a cooler place such as a room with air conditioning or somewhere in the shade
Remove all unnecessary clothing like a jacket or socks
Drink cool water, a sports or rehydration drink, or eat cold and water rich foods like ice-lollies
Apply cool water by spray or sponge to exposed skin, and using cold packs wrapped in a cloth and put under the armpits or on the neck can also help
Close blinds and curtains on windows that are exposed to direct sunlight, move to the coolest part of your home and open windows (if it is safe to) when the air feels cooler outside than inside
A cool living space is especially important for infants, older people or those with long-term health conditions
Use electric fans if the temperature is below 35°C, but do not aim the fan directly at the body
Go outside if it is cooler in the shade
Babies and young children are more likely to become unwell from hot weather, and they are particularly at risk of sunburn.
To protect them, the NHS recommends that babies under 6 months are be kept out of direct sunlight throughout the day.
Babies over 6 months or over should be kept in the shade between 11am and 3pm and wear at least wear at least SPF50 suncream.
Small, closed spaces such as stationary cars can get dangerously hot very quickly. Make sure that babies, children, older people and pets are not left alone in stationary cars or other closed spaces.
Keep children in prams or pushchairs shaded using a parasol. Do not cover your baby’s pushchair or pram with a blanket. Make sure there is adequate air flow, remove any clothing they don’t need and check on them regularly to make sure they don’t overheat.
Keeping your baby safe in the sun – NHS
There’s lots more information online to help you stay safe during hot weather. Visit the UKHSA and NHS websites including their pages on
Met Office also have information on their WeatherReady campaign which you may also find useful.
For weather health alerts visit Weather health alerts | UKHSA data dashboard