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Hot weather advice

Be prepared - common sense seasonal precautions

We all hope that the seasonal changes are not too extreme, however, if they are, there is some simple advice you can follow to try to minimize any effect it has on you. Even before the hot weather sets in, there are some steps you can plan for you and your family’s safety.

Above all the message is to listen to any advice given by the emergency services.

Timely preventative measures can reduce the effects of extreme or hot weather. You can enjoy the weather whilst protecting yourself and your family from the dangerous and potentially fatal effects of high temperatures.

If a heatwave is forecast

  • Learn how and where to turn off your water, electricity and gas supplies
  • Check the TV (news, teletext and ceefax), radio and newspapers for the latest information and early warnings
  • Stock up on essentials such as the suggested Emergency Pack above
  • Be a good neighbour and pass on warnings to those who may have missed the warnings, and check on the elderly and infirm

During extreme weather, heat and sun

  • Try and plan your day in a way that allows you to stay out of the heat
  • If you can, avoid going out in the hottest part of the day ( 11am – 3pm )
  • If you must go out stay in the shade. Wear a hat and light loose fitting clothes, preferably cotton
  • If you will be outside for some time, take plenty of fresh drinking water with you
  • Take cool showers or baths and splash yourself several times a day with cold water, particularly your face and the back of your neck
  • Eat as you normally would. Try to eat more cold food, particularly salads and fruit, which contain water
  • Check the TV, radio and newspapers for the latest information
  • Obtain a weather forecast
  • Fill some clean containers with fresh water in case supply fails

People more at risk

  • Older people, especially those over 75 years old / or living on their own, or in a care home
  • People suffering from mental ill health, those with dementia and those who rely on help from other people to manage day-to-day activities
  • People who are bed bound
  • People taking certain types of medicine
  • People suffering from chronic ill health
  • Babies and young children, especially under four years old

Older people

  • Look after older people. They are much more prone to the effects of heat. If you have older relatives or neighbours you can help by simply checking on them if possible every day.
  • Remind them to drink plenty and often. They should have a mixture of drinks including fruit juice and water.
  • Help them to keep their house as cool as possible, drawing curtains, opening windows at night, or using a fan if necessary

Home Emergency Pack

Collect and maintain the following emergency pack .Try to keep enough of the following to ensure you can protect yourself against the extreme heat or sun.

Suggested list

  • Sun block / sun screen – use a high factor cream or spray
  • Drink (cans of juice, bottled water etc)
  • Medication (including baby items) in case of sun exposure or dehydration

Medical side effects of exposure to extreme weather, heat and sun

If you experience any effects from the sun, seek medical advice

Please do not ring the emergency services unless it is a genuine 999 matter.

In a severe heatwave the body can overheat and dehydrate leading to heat exhaustion or heatstroke. Symptoms include headaches, nausea, an intense thirst, sleepiness, hot red and dry skin, a sudden rise in temperature, confusion, aggression, convulsions and a loss of consciousness.

Heatstroke can result in irreversible damage to the body, including the brain and death.

Driving in extreme / hot conditions

  • NEVER leave a child or baby alone or unattended inside a vehicle. This could result in a child becoming overheated and could result in DEATH
  • Before setting out listen to weather forecasts on the radio or television
  • It is not recommended to leave your pets alone or unattended inside a vehicle
  • Allow extra time for your journey. You may need to stop several times to take refreshment to avoid dehydration. Give yourself extra time and think ahead.
  • Drive carefully – you are responsible for your own safety, your passengers' safety, your vehicle and other road users.
  • In particularly extreme weather consider whether your journey is necessary or whether it can be delayed. If you have to go out, take adequate fluids and sun protection for your journey.

Make sure you can be seen

  • If the visibility is reduced due to sun glare remember this will make it difficult for you at times whilst travelling
  • Driver fatigue and stress
  • In extreme weather conditions, driver fatigue and stress can increase and more breaks may be required. It is important to keep your fluid intake up.

Take account of extreme weather conditions before your journey

  • Check the weather forecasts
  • Consider if the journey is necessary
  • Consider alternative routes
  • Allow a time for the journey which relates to the weather conditions.

To be prepared for extreme weather these items may be useful for the car

  • A radio and spare batteries
  • A torch
  • Sun blinds for the windows
  • Spare clothing
  • Fresh drinking water

This page was last updated on 22 October 2009