For details for each heat-health level, visit the Met Office website.

Keeping cool and safe in the hot weather (Gov.uk)

The top ways for staying safe when the heat arrives are to:

  • look out for those who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated – older people, those with underlying conditions and those who live alone are particularly at risk
  • stay cool indoors by closing curtains on rooms that face the sun – and remember that it may be cooler outdoors than indoors
  • drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol
  • never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals
  • check that fridges, freezers and fans are working properly
  • try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm, when the UV rays are strongest
  • walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat, if you have to go out in the heat
  • avoid physical exertion in the hottest parts of the day
  • make sure you take water with you if you are travelling
  • take care and make sure to follow local safety advice if you are going into the water to cool down
  • check medicines can be stored according to the instructions on the packaging.

Check on others

  • Check on older people or sick neighbours, family or friends every day during hot weather.

Stay hydrated

  • Stay hydrated – drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol.
  • If you need to travel, ensure you take water with you.

Physical activity

  • Avoid extreme physical exertion. If you can’t avoid strenuous outdoor activity, such as sport, DIY or gardening, keep it for cooler parts of the day – for example, in the early morning or evening.

Keeping the home cool

  • Keep your environment cool: keeping your living space cool is especially important for those who need to stay at home this summer.
  • Shade or cover windows exposed to direct sunlight and keep windows that are exposed to the sun closed during the day. External shutters or shades, if you have them, are very effective, while internal blinds or curtains are less effective. Care should be taken with metal blinds and dark curtains, as these can absorb heat.
  • If possible and safe, open windows at night if it feels cooler outside.
  • Turn off non-essential lights and electrical equipment – they generate heat.
  • During the hottest periods find the coolest part of your home or garden/outside or local green space to sit in. If going outdoors, use cool spaces considerately.

On car journeys

  • Ensure that babies, children, or older people are not left alone in parked cars, which can quickly overheat.

Look out for the signs of heat-related harm

  • If you feel dizzy, weak or have intense thirst and a headache, move to a cool place as soon as possible. Drink some water or diluted fruit juice to rehydrate. Avoid excess alcohol.
  • If you have painful muscular spasms (particularly in the legs, arms, or abdomen), rest immediately in a cool place and drink electrolyte drinks. Most people should start to recover within 30 mins and if not, you should seek medical help. Call 111 if you feel unusual symptoms, or if symptoms persist.
  • Call 999 if a person develops any signs of heatstroke as this is a medical emergency. Further information on heatstroke and heat-related illness are available here.

Sunburn

  • Try to keep out of the sun between 11am and 3pm, when UV radiation is strongest.
  • If you have to go out in the heat, wear UV sunglasses, preferably wraparound, to reduce UV exposure to the eyes. Walk in the shade, apply sunscreen of at least SPF15 with UVA protection and wear a hat. Wear light, loose-fitting cotton clothes. This should reduce the risk of sunburn.

Animal welfare advice for summer

Never leave animals in cars, conservatories, outbuildings or caravans on a warm day, even if it's just for a short while. When it's 22°C outside, temperatures can quickly rise to 47°C (117°F) in these environments, which can be deadly.

You can also keep your pets safe by:

  • Using a pet-safe sun cream on exposed parts of your pet's skin
  • Making sure they have shade 
  • Giving them constant access to fresh water
  • Putting ice cubes in their water bowl
  • Giving them damp towels to lie on

It's also worth checking pets regularly for flystrike.

Helpful links

Last updated: Fri 9th June, 2023 @ 12:46