Many of us enjoy warm weather, but hot weather can affect anyone’s health. During periods of very warm weather, more people become seriously unwell and some deaths are preventable.
The good news is that a few simple steps can help you stay safe and protect the people around you. Taking action early can reduce your risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion, heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses.
Be prepared
Planning ahead can make it easier to stay safe when temperatures rise.
Check the weather forecast regularly so you can plan activities, travel and outdoor exercise around the hottest parts of the day. View the latest forecast on the Met Office website and sign up to receive heat-health alerts and updates.
Check essential household equipment such as fridges, freezers and fans before hot weather arrives to make sure they are working properly.
Store medicines safely. Some medicines need to be kept cool and may be affected by unusually high temperatures. Note the storage instructions provided with your medication and read these three important tips from the MHRA.
Look after yourself – and look out for others
Keeping cool and staying hydrated are some of the most effective ways to protect your health during hot weather.
- Keep your home cool by opening windows early in the morning or overnight when the air is cooler, then closing windows, blinds and curtains during the hottest part of the day, especially in rooms exposed to direct sunlight.
- Spend time in the coolest available place, whether that is indoors or in a shaded outdoor area.
- Drink fluids regularly, even if you do not feel thirsty.
- Young children and babies are particularly vulnerable to heat-related illness and sunburn. Read the NHS advice on keeping your baby safe in the sun for practical guidance.
- Older people, people living alone and those with long-term health conditions may need extra support during hot weather. Take a few minutes to check on relatives, neighbours, friends and others who may be struggling to stay cool or hydrated.
- If you are concerned about someone who may need support, contact your local authority.
- If someone becomes unwell because of the heat, seek medical advice from NHS 111 or their GP. Call 999 immediately if the situation is life-threatening.
Further information on how to cope in hot weather is available from the NHS.
Take care outdoors
Enjoying the outdoors safely can help you make the most of warm weather while reducing health risks.
- Protect your skin by following NHS guidance on sunscreen and sun safety. Sunburn increases the risk of skin cancer and can happen quickly during periods of strong sunshine.
- Be aware that surfaces such as tarmac, artificial grass, pavements and sand can become extremely hot. These surfaces may cause burns to bare feet and pets’ paws.
- Protect pets during hot weather by avoiding exercise during the hottest parts of the day and ensuring they have access to shade and water. Read the PDSA guidance on summer hazards for pets.
- If you plan to cool off in rivers, lakes, the sea or other outdoor water locations, follow water safety guidance and understand local risks before entering the water. See the Royal Life Saving Society’s advice on summer water safety.