Staying Safe In Hot Weather

🌡  STAYING SAFE IN HOT WEATHER A Guide for People Who May Need Extra Support

⚠  Who is most at risk in hot weather?

• Older adults (especially over 75)

• People with long-term health conditions (heart disease, diabetes, respiratory conditions)

• People taking certain medications

• People with mobility difficulties or who cannot get around easily

• People with dementia or mental health conditions

• People who live alone or have limited social contact

• People who are overweight

KEEP YOUR HOME COOL

During a heatwave, keeping your living space cool is one of the most important things you can do.

During the day	Keep curtains, blinds and windows CLOSED on the sunny side of your home. Open windows on the shady side for a cross-breeze.
At night	Open windows once outside air is cooler than inside — usually after 9pm.
Electric fans	Use a fan to move air around. Place a bowl of cold water in front for extra cooling.
Cool rooms	If possible, move to the coolest room in your home during the hottest part of the day (11am–3pm).
Avoid heat sources	Avoid using the oven or cooking hot meals during the hottest part of the day.

STAY HYDRATED

Dehydration is a serious risk in hot weather — and older people may not feel thirsty even when they need fluids.

💧  How to stay hydrated

• Drink at least 6–8 glasses of water or other fluids every day — more in hot weather

• Keep a glass of water nearby at all times as a reminder

• Cold water, diluted squash, herbal teas and milk all count

• Eat foods with high water content: cucumber, melon, strawberries, lettuce

• Avoid excess alcohol, caffeine and very sugary drinks — these can dehydrate you

• If you have a condition that limits your fluid intake, speak to your GP or nurse

SIGNS OF HEAT EXHAUSTION — ACT QUICKLY

Heat exhaustion is serious. Know the signs and act quickly.

Warning Signs • Headache or dizziness • Nausea or vomiting • Heavy sweating • Pale, moist skin • Muscle cramps • Weakness or fatigue • Rapid heartbeat

What to Do • Move to a cool place immediately • Lie down and raise legs slightly • Remove excess clothing • Sip cold water or a sports drink • Apply cool, damp cloths to skin • Use a fan if available • Call 111 if symptoms don’t improve in 30 mins

🚨  HEATSTROKE — CALL 999 IMMEDIATELY Heatstroke is life-threatening. Call 999 if the person has: • A very high temperature (above 40°C / feels burning hot) • Confusion, slurred speech or loss of consciousness • Stops sweating despite the heat • Seizures While waiting for help: cool them down as fast as possible using cold water, ice packs wrapped in a cloth, or a fan.

MEDICINES IN HOT WEATHER

Some medicines can increase your risk from heat or be affected by high temperatures.

💊 Important advice about medicines

• Store medicines as directed — many must be kept below 25°C and out of direct sunlight

• Some medicines increase sensitivity to heat (e.g. diuretics, beta-blockers, antipsychotics, antidepressants)

• Ask your GP, pharmacist or nurse if any of your medicines may affect how you cope with heat

• Never stop taking prescribed medication without speaking to your GP first

• If you use an inhaler, keep it away from direct sunlight and high temperatures

GETTING OUT AND ABOUT SAFELY

Best times to go out	Early morning (before 11am) or evening (after 3pm). Avoid midday heat.
Clothing	Wear loose, light-coloured, breathable clothing. A wide-brimmed hat protects face and neck.
Sun protection	Apply SPF 30+ sunscreen 30 minutes before going out. Reapply every 2 hours.
Take water	Always carry a bottle of cold water. Drink before you feel thirsty.
Shade	Stay in the shade as much as possible. Rest frequently.

STAYING CONNECTED

Isolation in hot weather increases risk. Check on others and make sure someone is checking on you.

🤝  Keeping connected

• If you live alone, ask a neighbour, friend or family member to check on you daily during a heatwave

• If you are a carer or volunteer, check on vulnerable people at least once a day

• Contact your local council or GP surgery to be added to a vulnerable persons register if appropriate

• Age UK Advice Line: 0800 678 1602 (free, 8am–7pm daily)

• NHS 111: call 111 or visit 111.nhs.uk for non-emergency health advice

QUICK REFERENCE SUMMARY

✅  DO	❌  AVOID
• Drink plenty of cool water • Close curtains on sunny side • Stay indoors 11am–3pm • Wear loose, light clothing • Check on vulnerable neighbours • Keep medicines stored correctly	• Heavy exercise in peak heat • Leaving windows open during the day • Excess alcohol or caffeine • Leaving people or pets in hot cars • Sitting in direct sunlight • Skipping meals or fluids • Ignoring signs of heat exhaustion

Please do call our friendly knowledgeable team on 01926624432 for further help and information, including equipment that may assist, see the health conditions section in our web site.