Staying safe in hot weather
Hot weather can make anyone unwell, but some people are more at risk, including older people, babies and young children, people with long-term health conditions, and people who live alone or find it harder to keep cool.
How to keep safe
During hot weather, please follow NHS advice:
- keep out of the sun during the hottest part of the day, usually 11am to 3pm
- drink plenty of fluids and avoid drinking too much alcohol
- keep your home cool by closing curtains or blinds in sunny rooms
- wear light, loose clothing and use sunscreen when outside
- avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day
- cool yourself with cool showers, baths, or cool water on your skin or clothes
- check on vulnerable relatives, friends and neighbours
Never leave babies, children, older people or pets alone in parked cars.
Heat exhaustion
Heat exhaustion happens when the body gets too hot and loses too much water or salt.
Signs can include:
- tiredness or weakness
- dizziness or headache
- feeling sick or being sick
- heavy sweating
- cramps in the arms, legs or stomach
- feeling very thirsty
- a high temperature
- fast breathing or heartbeat
Move the person to a cool place, remove unnecessary clothing, give them cool drinks if they can drink safely, and cool their skin with cool water or a fan. They should start to feel better within 30 minutes.
Use NHS 111 online or call 111 if you are worried or symptoms are not improving.
Heatstroke
Heatstroke is more serious and can be life-threatening. It can happen if heat exhaustion is not treated quickly.
Call 999 immediately if someone:
- is still unwell after 30 minutes of cooling down
- feels very hot but is not sweating
- is confused, restless or not acting normally
- has fast breathing or shortness of breath
- has a seizure or fit
- loses consciousness
Heatstroke is a medical emergency.
