Heatwave: how to cope in hot weather

What you could do now, before hot weather

• Shade or cover windows exposed to direct sunlight.
• Check that windows or vents can be opened.
• Grow plants inside and outside to provide shade and help cool the air.
• Check that fridges, freezers and fans are working properly.
• Check medicines can be stored according to the instructions on the packaging.

Staying cool during the heatwave

• Shade or cover windows exposed to direct sunlight
• Take a break from the heat by moving to a cooler part of the house (especially for sleeping).
• Avoid being in direct sunlight between 11am-3pm 
• Remember that it may be cooler outside in the shade or in a public building (such as places of worship, local libraries or supermarkets); consider a visit as a way of cooling down.
• If you do go out in the heat, walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a hat  
• Avoid extreme physical exertion
• Wear light, loose-fitting cotton clothes 
• Open windows (when it is safe to do so) when the air feels cooler outside than inside, for example, at night. Try to get air flowing through the home.
• Turn off lights and electrical equipment that is not in use
• Drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol

Who's most at risk in a heatwave?

• Older people – especially those over 75
• Those who live on their own or in a care home
• People who have a serious or long term illness – including heart or lung conditions, diabetes, kidney disease, Parkinson's disease or some mental health conditions
• Those who may find it hard to keep cool – babies and the very young, the bed bound, those with drug or alcohol addictions or with Alzheimer's disease
• People who spend a lot of time outside or in hot places – those who live in a top floor flat, the homeless or those whose jobs are outside

How to tell if someone is suffering heat stroke or heat exhaustion

The signs of heat exhaustion include:

• a headache
• dizziness and confusion
• loss of appetite and feeling sick
• excessive sweating and pale, clammy skin
• cramps in the arms, legs and stomach
• fast breathing or pulse
• a high temperature of 38C or above
• being very thirsty

Things you can do to cool someone down

If someone has heat exhaustion, follow these 4 steps:

1. Move them to a cool place.
2. Get them to lie down and raise their feet slightly.
3. Get them to drink plenty of water. Sports or rehydration drinks are OK.
4. Cool their skin – spray or sponge them with cool water and fan them. Cold packs around the armpits or neck are good, too.