Did you know? How to stay safe in a heatwave
As we experience one heatwave after another, it's worth remembering that high temperatures can have a serious impact on some members of our community.
By taking sensible steps to stay cool and hydrated, we can enjoy the warmer weather while helping to protect friends, family and neighbours who may be more vulnerable.
Who is vulnerable?
Anyone can become unwell when the weather is hot, but people who are at higher risk of becoming seriously unwell include:
- older people aged 65 years and over
- babies and young children aged 5 years and under
- people with underlying health conditions particularly heart problems, breathing problems, dementia, diabetes, kidney disease, Parkinson's disease, or mobility problems
- people on certain medications
- people with serious mental health problems
- people who are already ill and dehydrated - for example, from diarrhoea and vomiting
- people who experience alcohol or drug dependence
- people who are physically active and spend a lot of time outside such as runners, cyclists and walkers
- people who work in jobs that require manual labour or extensive time outside
- people experiencing homelessness, including rough sleepers and those who are unable to make adaptations to their living accommodation such as sofa surfers or living in hostels
- people who live alone and may be unable to care for themselves
What can we do to stay safe?
There are a few quite simple things we can all to do stay safe when we experience high temperatures, and this includes looking out for people who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated. Contact friends, family or neighbours that may need help keeping cool.
Keeping cool indoors is just as important as staying safe outside during hot weather. Simple steps such as closing curtains, blinds or shutters on windows that face the sun can help prevent rooms from overheating during the day. Opening windows in the early morning or later in the evening, when temperatures are lower, can also help bring cooler air into your home.
It's also worth remembering that the outdoor temperature isn't always higher than the temperature inside, so it may be cooler to sit outside.
Don't forget to drink plenty of fluids (even if you are not thirsty) to stay hydrated.
Know the signs of heat exhaustion
Watch out for symptoms including tiredness, dizziness, headaches, feeling sick, excessive sweating, muscle cramps, fast breathing, or a high temperature.
If someone develops these symptoms, move them to a cool place, encourage them to drink water or an energy drink, and cool their skin with water or damp cloths.
Most people start to recover within 30 minutes, but if symptoms worsen, they may need medical attention.
There's lots more information online to help you stay safe during hot weather:
Heatwave: how to cope in hot weather - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Beat the heat: staying safe in hot weather - GOV.UK
Tips for keeping cool in hot weather - Met Office
Our pets
Keeping our pets cool - provide access to shade, fresh water and consider using cooling mats or fans indoors. Encourage hydration with ice cubes in water or frozen treats and choose cool times for walks. Remember, pavements get extremely hot! Read more here: