Heatwave Advice
Sign up for UKHSA alerts Heat-health Alert service - Met Office
Heatwave advice Hot weather and health: guidance and advice - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
NHS advice- Heatwave: how to cope in hot weather - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Our Heatwave Top Tips
Limit Exposure to the Sun
The hottest part of the day is usually between 11.00am and 3.00pm
Avoid over exertion through physical activity
Wear light and loose-fitting clothes and a hat if you go outdoors
Plan ahead so that you don't have to go out in extreme heat
If you have to go out in the heat, remember to try and walk in the shade and apply sunscreen
Be aware that certain medications may cause you to be more susceptible to the effects of a heatwave
Keep Cool
Keep hydrated by drinking cold drinks but avoid caffeine or alcoholic products
Have a cool shower or bath
Keep a damp cloth on your neck to help regulate your body temperature
Eat Normally even though you might not be as hungry, you need a normal diet to replace salt loses from sweating - Try having salads or fruit as the have high water contents!
Keep Your Environment Cool
Keep windows that have direct sunlight during the day closed
Watch out for metal blinds as these can absorb heat and become hot
Consider having external shading placed outside windows to limit the amount of direct sunlight or draw curtains
If it's safe open windows for ventilation
Limit use of lights and electrical equipment as these generate heat
Move into a shaded room as these will be cooler
Check on Others
Check on your neighbours and vulnerable people as these are at most risk from the effects of heat
Ensure vulnerable individuals have supplies of food, water and their normal medication
Ensure pets and infants and elderly are not left in stationary cars
If you think someone is unwell seek medical attention
If You Are Fasting
It is important to balance food and fluid intake between fasts and especially to drink enough water
For further guidance refer to the Ramadan Health Guidance
Stay tuned to the weather forecast on the radio or TV, or at the MET Office
Further Advice
Further advice on Hot Weather and Heatwave can be found on NHS Choices