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Most of us welcome hot weather, but when it's too hot, there are health risks. During heatwaves, more people than usual get seriously ill or die. If hot weather hits this summer, make sure it does not harm you or anyone you know. The main risks posed by a heatwave are: A heatwave can affect anyone, but the most vulnerable people are: Keep out of the heat if you can. If you have to go outside, stay in the shade especially between 11am and 3pm, wear sunscreen, a hat and light clothes, and avoid exercise or activity that makes you hotter. Cool yourself down. Have cold food and drinks, avoid alcohol, caffeine and hot drinks, and have a cool shower or put cool water on your skin or clothes. Keep your living space cool. Close windows during the day and open them at night when the temperature outside has gone down. Electric fans can help if the temperature is below 35 degrees. Check the temperature of rooms, especially where people at higher risk live and sleep. For more information visit GOV.UK: Beat the heat: staying safe in hot weather. You can also get help from the environmental health office at your local council, if you think a hot house is affecting your health or someone else's. They can inspect a rented home for hazards to health, including excess heat. Find your local council (GOV.UK) If you or someone else feels unwell with a high temperature during hot weather, it may be heat exhaustion or heatstroke. Find out about the signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke, and when to get help
Page last reviewed: 10 August 2022
During extreme heat it is easy to become dehydrated or for your body to overheat. If this happens, you may develop heat cramps, heat exhaustion or even heatstroke. Heatstroke is a medical emergency which can result in permanent damage to your vital organs, or even death, if not treated immediately. Extreme heat can also make existing medical conditions worse. The best way to survive the heat is to plan ahead for hot days and know what to do when the heat hits. Hot weather can affect anyone, including the young and healthy. However, some people are more at risk than others. People most at risk:
Coping with the heatDuring extreme heat, whether it’s one hot day or a heatwave, remember:
Practical hot weather resourcesEveryone can be affected by hot weather and it is important that you take care whenever the temperatures start to rise. A heatwave over a period of days, or even a single day of extreme heat, may cause illnesses such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke. It's important to stay aware of the weather during summer, especially when there are risks of heatwaves or days of high UV. For more information on weather conditions, see: You can also register to get Heat Health from the Department of Health & Human Services. When out enjoying the summer, always remember hot weather can spoil food quickly. Make sure you follow safe food practices to avoid illness. You can get first aid information and resources from St John . Older people and hot weatherHeat stress may affect older people more than others. People aged 65 years and over may be at increased risk of heat-related illnesses and need special care in hot weather. Factors that can increase a person's risk include living alone, chronic medical problems and certain medication. Children and hot weatherBabies and young children should be watched carefully during hot weather. They can quickly lose body fluids through perspiring, which can lead to dehydration. They need to drink regularly, wear light clothing and be kept cool. Never leave babies or young children in cars. The temperature inside parked cars can double within minutes. The Never leave kids in cars page has more information about child car safety. Active people and hot weatherHeat and sport or physical activity (exercise) can be a dangerous combination. Heat stress occurs when sweat can't evaporate fast enough to keep the body sufficiently cool. You can prevent heat stress during sport by drinking plenty of fluids, taking frequent rest breaks and avoiding exercise during the hottest part of the day. How you can help othersIn extreme heat, check on and help other people who may be at a higher risk of heat-related illness:
Prepare for extreme heatYou can prepare for extreme heat by:
Prepare for a power failurePower failures can happen during times of extremely hot weather. Some things you can do to prepare for a power failure are:
Where to get help
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