Key Summer Messaging from the NHS
Heat can affect everyone’s health. It can cause heat stress and heat stroke and can make existing health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, mental health issues, and asthma worse. It also increases the chances of accidents, including drowning, and the spread of some illnesses. Heatstroke is serious and needs quick medical attention.
As an unpaid carer, you play a vital role in helping to protect the wellbeing of the person you care for during periods of high temperatures. Heat can quickly lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion, or more serious conditions such as heatstroke. Some people may not recognise when they are becoming unwell, may struggle to stay cool independently, or may be unable to communicate how they feel. That is why it is so important to take simple, preventative steps early.
Why is heatwave and summer preparedness so important?
Everyone is at risk from the health consequences of hot weather, but there are certain factors that increase an individual’s risk. Every year, heat causes excess deaths and people particularly at risk include:
- older people (65+)
- babies and young children
- people with health conditions
- pregnant women
- people experiencing homelessness
- people who live alone and may be unable to care for themselves
Heatwave and Summer Preparedness Guidance
There are a few simple steps that you can take to help keep yourself and others safe and healthy this summer, from preparing your home or business, to taking care of yourself and those you care for.
Beat the heat
Plan ahead
Check the weather
Check the forecast regularly and follow local news so you are aware of heat alerts and can prepare in advance.
Plan ahead
Plan ahead to reduce time spent outdoors during the hottest parts of the day, especially between late morning and mid-afternoon.
Schedule activities
Arrange activities for cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or evening, to avoid peak heat.
Keep yourself cool
Stay hydrated
Drink fluids regularly throughout the day, especially water. Limit alcohol as it can increase dehydration.
Cool your body
Keep your body cool by taking cool showers or baths, using water on your skin and reducing physical exertion.
Protect yourself
Wear loose, lightweight clothing and protect yourself from the sun with a hat, sunglasses, and high-factor sunscreen.
Find somewhere cool
Keep heat out
Keep indoor spaces cool by closing blinds or curtains during the day and opening windows when it is cooler outside.
Move to cooler spaces
Spend time in the coolest available place, whether indoors or outdoors, and consider public spaces like shops or libraries if needed.
Avoid hot spaces
Never stay in enclosed spaces such as parked cars, which can become dangerously hot very quickly.
Be safe
Watch for illness
Be aware of the signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke, such as dizziness, weakness, headache, or nausea and act quickly if symptoms appear.
Look after others
Check regularly on family, friends, and neighbours who may be more vulnerable, including older people and those with health conditions.
Stay safe in water
Take extra care around water and follow safety advice when swimming, especially in open water.
Get help
If you or someone else feels unwell, seek advice from NHS 111, or call 999 in an emergency.