Be Prepared: Hot weather

Hot weather is something many people look forward to, but it’s worth remembering that warm spells can pose health risks for some people. It’s important to protect yourself and others from too much sun or heat, to carry water when travelling and to think of those, such as young children or older people, who may not cope as well in the heat.

• keep out of the sun at the hottest time of the day, between 11am and 3pm
• if you are going to do a physical activity (for example exercise or walking the dog), plan to do these during times of the day when it is cooler, such as the morning or evening
• keep your home cool by closing windows and curtains in rooms that face the sun
• if you do go outside, cover up with suitable clothing such as an appropriate hat and sunglasses, seek shade and apply sunscreen
• drink plenty of fluids and limit your alcohol intake
• check on family, friends and neighbours who may be at higher risk of becoming unwell, and if you are at higher risk, ask them to do the same for you
• know the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke and what to do if you or someone else has them

There’s lots more information online to help you stay safe during hot weather. Visit the

UKHSA and NHS websites, including their pages on how to beat the heat Beat the heat: hot weather advice – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) and on heat exhaustion and heatstroke Heatwave: how to cope in hot weather – NHS (www.nhs.uk).

More information available at What is a heatwave? – Met Office. What is a heatwave? – Met Office