What to do during a heatwave
When the hot weather arrives, take steps to keep yourself safe and minimize the impact on your health.
- Keep out of the heat during the hottest hours of the day. This is usually between 11 am and 3 pm. If you can’t avoid it, take breaks in the shade.
- Keep yourself covered and protected when out in the sun
- Protect your eyes with sunglasses and wear light, loose clothing. Avoid looking directly at the sun to avoid permanent damage.
- Keep an eye on children and animals, who are more vulnerable.
- Keep yourself hydrated – you’ll need more water than usual during hot periods.
- Stick to cold foods and drinks and avoid alcohol. Cool yourself down by having cold showers or washing your face.
- Look out for heat stroke and heat exhaustion. Make sure you know the signs and what to do in an emergency.
- Only make necessary journeys, avoid peak traffic and the hottest hours of the day. Don’t bring pets with you during very hot weather.
Keeping your home cool
One in five homes in England are likely to overheat. Here’s how to keep your house cool.
- Use blinds, curtains, or external shutters to block out direct sunlight. A bed sheet or towel should have a similar effect.
- Shut windows during the hottest parts of the day to keep the warm air out.
- Open windows when the air feels cooler outside than inside.
- Check your central heating is off, as well as lights and electrical equipment that aren’t in use.
- Electric fans can help, but only if the temperature is below 35 degrees.
- Cool down one or two rooms instead of the whole house.
- Cook at cooler times of the day, and avoid using the oven or hob.
- Public spaces like libraries and supermarkets may be cooler than your home.
- If you have concerns about an uncomfortably hot home, seek medical advice. If it’s an emergency, call 999.
Keeping cool at night
It can be difficult to sleep in hot weather. If it’s too hot or too cold your internal body temperature may be affected disrupting your ability to drop off and stay sleeping.
How to sleep in the heat:
- Sleep in the lowest level of your home – heat rises. If you are on one level, move to the coolest area
- Make sure all electrical items are turned off and not in standby mode, as this still creates heat
- Have a lukewarm or cool shower before bed to bring your body temperature down slowly
- Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and spicy foods in the evening – they increase your body temperature
- Drink a glass of cold water before bed and keep one close during the night
- Sleep with a thin sheet rather than no cover at all to help regulate your body temperature
- Choose loose-fitting clothing – tight clothes or pyjamas will trap warm air next to your body