Staying Safe in Hot Weather

09 July 2026

Keeping your home cool

• During the day, close curtains or blinds in sunny rooms to reduce heat indoors
• Open windows, if it is safe to do so, later in the evening or overnight when temperatures are lower
• Switch off unnecessary lights, appliances and electrical equipment not in use
• Use electric fans when indoor temperatures are below 35°C. Avoid sitting directly in front of a fan for long periods as this can lead to dehydration.
• Check that any heating is turned off
• Spend time in shaded outdoor areas if they are cooler than your home
• Public buildings such as libraries, places of worship and supermarkets may be cooler than your home. If they are nearby, consider visiting one of these places to cool down if you can travel there safely.

Keeping yourself safe

• If you plan to do physical activity, such as walking the dog, try to do it during cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or evening
• Drink plenty of water and other fluids and limit alcohol intake
• Know the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke and what to do if you or someone else has them. You can find out more about symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke on Heat exhaustion and heatstroke – NHS.
• Try to avoid direct sunlight, especially between 11am and 3pm when UV levels are highest
• If you are going out during this time, cover up with suitable clothing, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, seek shade and apply sunscreen liberally and re-apply frequently

Some people are an additional risk of becoming unwell in hot weather, such as

• older people aged 65 years and over
• babies and young children aged 5 years and under
• people with underlying health conditions or serious mental health conditions
• pregnant women
• people who are already ill and dehydrated
• people experiencing alcohol or drug dependence
• people who work outdoors or do physically demanding work
• people experiencing homelessness, including rough sleepers and those in insecure housing
• people who live alone

Check in on family, friends and neighbours who may be at higher risk of becoming unwell. If you are at higher risk yourself, consider asking someone you trust to check in on you regularly. If you have any health concerns, please call NHS 111.

Heat exhaustion occurs when the body overheats and cannot cool down. Heat exhaustion does not usually need emergency medical attention if you cool down within 30 minutes.

Heatstroke is where the body is no longer able to cool down and the body temperature becomes dangerously high. Heatstroke is a medical emergency. If you think someone has heatstroke, call 999 immediately and take steps to cool them down while waiting for help.

Common symptoms of heatstroke include:

• confusion
• lack of co-ordination
• fast heartbeat
• fast breathing or shortness of breath
• hot skin that is not sweating
• seizures

For further information on staying safe in hot weather, please visit Heat exhaustion and heatstroke – NHS.