Take care during the hot weather

Find out top tips for staying safe and cool in the heat…

We are currently experiencing hot weather across the UK. Although most of us welcome the summer sun, high temperatures can be harmful to your health. The heat can affect anyone, but some people are at greater risk, such as older people, younger people and those with long term health conditions.

Many of those who are at risk of harm from the heat are also at greater risk of severe illness due to COVID-19. They may need to spend more time at home than they would usually. Others may need to stay at home because they are self-isolating or recovering from the infection. Look out for others during the hot weather.

Top tips for staying safe and cool in the heat

• Stay cool at home – look out for others safely by following COVID-19 guidance
• Drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol
• Slow down when it is hot
• Go indoors or outdoors, whichever feels cooler
• If you have to go out in the heat, walk in the shade where possible, apply sunscreen and wear a hat
• Self-isolate at home if advised to do so
• Use cool spaces considerately, keep your distance if others not in your household are there
• Be on the lookout for signs of heat-related illness. These include heat stroke and heat exhaustion.

For more easy tips you can follow to stay safe in the heat and cool at home, check out the Beat the heat: coping with heat and COVID-19 poster.

You can also read Public Health England’s Beat the heat: coping with heat and COVID-19 leaflet. Here you can find out how to recognise when you or someone’s health may be affected, and what to do if you or someone else becomes unwell as a result of the heat.

Find out more on how to stay safe in a heatwave. There’s also an Easy read guide – keeping healthy when it’s really hot.

Further advice and support

Further guidance on the Heatwave Plan for England is available on GOV.UK.

Public Health England has produced a Beat the heat: keep cool at home checklist to help you identify and manage indoor overheating.

For free medical advice for any non-emergency 24 hours a day use NHS 111 online.