Hot weather advice

Advice for keeping cool and safe in the severe hot weather

Keep out of the sun between 11.00am and 3.00pm
If you have to go out in the heat, walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a hat and light scarf
Avoid extreme physical exertion
Wear light, loose-fitting cotton clothes

Have plenty of cold drinks, and avoid excess alcohol, caffeine and hot drinks
Eat cold foods, particularly salads and fruit with a high water content
Take a cool shower, bath or body wash
Sprinkle water over the skin or clothing, or keep a damp cloth on the back of your neck

Keeping your living space cool is especially important for infants, the elderly or those with chronic health conditions or who can't look after themselves
Place a thermometer in your main living room and bedroom to keep a check on the temperature
Keep windows that are exposed to the sun closed during the day, and open windows at night when the temperature has dropped
Close curtains that receive morning or afternoon sun. However, care should be taken with metal blinds and dark curtains, as these can absorb heat – consider replacing or putting reflective material in-between them and the window space
Turn off non-essential lights and electrical equipment – they generate heat
Keep indoor plants and bowls of water in the house as evaporation helps cool the air
If possible, move into a cooler room, especially for sleeping
Electric fans may provide some relief, if temperatures are below 35°C

(Longer term)

Consider putting up external shading outside windows
Use pale, reflective external paints
Have your loft and cavity walls insulated – this keeps the heat in when it is cold and out when it is hot.
Grow trees and leafy plants near windows to act as natural air-conditioners.

Keep an eye on isolated, elderly, ill or very young people and make sure they are able to keep cool.
Ensure that babies, children or elderly people are not left alone in stationary cars.
Check on elderly or sick neighbours, family or friends every day during a heatwave.
Be alert and call a doctor or social services if someone is unwell or further help is needed.

Keep medicines below 25 °C or in the refrigerator (read the storage instructions on the packaging).
Seek medical advice if you are suffering from a chronic medical condition or taking multiple medications.

Try to get help if you feel dizzy, weak, anxious or have intense thirst and headache; move to a cool place as soon as possible and measure your body temperature.
Drink some water or fruit juice to rehydrate.
Rest immediately in a cool place if you have painful muscular spasms (particularly in the legs, arms or abdomen, in many cases after sustained exercise during very hot weather), and drink oral rehydration solutions containing electrolytes.
Medical attention is needed if heat cramps last more than one hour.
Consult your doctor if you feel unusual symptoms or if symptoms persist.

Make sure they have access to fresh, cool water
Provide them with access to a shady area
Remove excess hair by regular, thorough grooming
Give them damp towels to lie on
Don't take dogs out when the pavement is hot - if it's too hot for your toes, it's too hot for theirs
NEVER leave an animal alone in a vehicle on a hot day, even if parked in the shade or with the window open.
Find more advice, including how to report an animal that is in danger of harm, on the RSPCA's website .

Never light fires in the countryside or in open spaces such as parks, heathland, moorland, and wooded areas.
Only use barbecues in areas where they are specifically permitted and provided for.
Do not leave a barbecue unattended. Once finished, make sure it is completely extinguished and cool before disposing of it safely.
Carefully dispose of cigarettes and other smoking materials, ensuring they are fully extinguished. Never throw cigarette ends from a vehicle.
Take your litter home with you, especially glass bottles, which can focus the sun's rays and increase the risk of fire.
Follow any local advice, restrictions, and warning signs, particularly during periods of hot, dry weather when wildfire risk is higher.

Move to a safe area away from the fire.
Report the fire by calling 999 immediately, even if you believe it may already have been reported.
Remain at a safe location if asked to do so and provide any further information requested by emergency services.
Never attempt to tackle the fire yourself.
Keep away from the affected area to avoid delaying emergency responders.
Follow all instructions from emergency services and local authorities, including advice to evacuate or stay indoors with windows and doors closed.