Staying Safe in Hot Weather

9 hours ago
2 min read

Many people will celebrate the arrival of some hot weather in the UK and like to make the most of it by outdoor swimming, BBQ’s and sunbathing. However, during heatwaves more people than usual get seriously ill, particularly older people (65+), young children, people with serious health conditions and people who struggle to take care of themselves. There are some measures you can take to stay safe in the heat.

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Coping with the Heat Outdoors

Avoid going outside if you can between 11am-3pm
If you do go out, try to stay in the shade as much as possible. Wear lightweight, loose clothing and a hat.
Avoid strenuous activity that will further raise your body temperature. Plan activities for early morning or evening.
Stay hydrated by drinking cool water or drinks that have electrolytes regularly and avoiding excess caffeine or alcohol.
Use sunscreen (at least SPF 30)
Take regular breaks and listen to your body.

Keeping Cool at Home

Woman seen from behind at a window with blue curtains, raising her hand as a red arrow points left; bright sun outside.

Keep curtains or blinds closed during the day, open windows during cooler hours to create airflow.
Electric fans are useful if the temperature is below 35 degrees
Check the sleeping room temperature of anyone who is vulnerable to high temperatures
Limit heat from appliances such as ovens and electronics.
Take lukewarm showers (not cold which could cause shock) and use damp cloths to cool down

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Staying Safe While Working

If working outside, take breaks more frequently in shade or indoors
Drink water regularly, not just when thirsty.
Adjust work tasks to cooler times of day where possible.
Wear appropriate PPE, speak to your employer if the PPE provided is not suitable for use in high temperatures
If driving for work – take more water with you than you normally would, take a cloth that you can wet and use to cool down if stuck in traffic for a prolonged period. Use spf as you can still burn through your car windows. Park your car in shaded areas when possible.
Be aware of warning signs of heat-related illness.

Signs of Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion is a heat related condition that occurs when your body overheats and struggles to cool itself down. Most people will recover within 30 minutes of taking measures to cool down. If left untreated it can progress to heat stroke which can be life threatening. It’s important to look out for the signs in yourself as well as others.

Sweating woman shields her eyes from a bright sun icon on a white background, looking overheated and tired

Physical Symptoms

Heavy sweating or clammy skin
Cool, pale, damp skin that has goosebumps when in the sun
Muscle cramps
Fatigue or weakness
Headache
Dizziness or fainting
Nausea
Low blood pressure upon standing

Sleeping child in a bright pink robe, reclining under a gray blanket on white pillows, looking cozy and peaceful.

What to Do

Stop all activity and rest
Move to a cool place.
Drink cool water or sports drinks that contain electrolytes
Remove excess clothing.
Cool the skin with water or damp cloths.

Mobile phone showing 999 beside a blue flashing emergency siren

When to seek medical help

If the person does not recover within 30 minutes of cooling down
They have a temperature of 40c or higher
Their body stops sweating despite them feeling very hot
Call 999 if they lose consciousness, have a seizure, experince difficulty breathing or show signs of confusion