Preparedness
Extreme Heat
Extreme Heat
Heatwaves and prolonged periods of hot weather can place pressure on health services, infrastructure and daily activities. The guidance below will help you prepare for extreme heat and reduce the risks to yourself, your family and your community.
What You Can Do
- Monitor weather forecasts and follow any heat-health alerts. Follow advice from the Met Office, NHS, your local authority and emergency services.
- Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day, especially when outdoors or travelling. Avoid excessive alcohol and seek medical advice if a health condition affects how much you can drink.
- Close curtains or blinds on sun-facing windows during the day and switch off unnecessary lights and electrical equipment. Open windows when temperatures are cooler, particularly at night.
- Stay out of direct sunlight where possible between 11am and 3pm. Plan exercise, outdoor work and dog walking for cooler times of the day.
- Wear loose, lightweight clothing and stay in the shade where possible. Use a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen suitable for your skin type.
- Take cool showers, use damp cloths and drink cool fluids. If your home becomes too hot, consider spending time in a cooler public building if safe to do so.
- Check regularly on older people, babies, young children, pregnant women and anyone with a long-term health condition, disability or reduced mobility.
- Continue taking prescribed medication unless advised otherwise by a healthcare professional. Store medicines according to the manufacturer's instructions and check any equipment that may be affected by high temperatures or power interruptions.
Recognise heat exhaustion
Symptoms can include dizziness, headache, excessive sweating, nausea, tiredness and muscle cramps. Move to a cool place, drink fluids and cool the skin.
Treat heatstroke as an emergency
Call 999 immediately if someone has a very high temperature, becomes confused, loses consciousness, has a seizure, or does not improve after cooling measures.
Travel and work safely
Take water with you, check travel information before setting out and never leave children, vulnerable adults or pets in parked vehicles. Employers should provide access to drinking water, shade and rest breaks.
Plan for wider disruption
Extreme heat can affect power, water and transport services. Keep essential supplies available and review plans for supporting vulnerable people and maintaining critical services.