Dealing with a heatwave

The severe heat of a heatwave can be seriously damaging to the health, and can sometimes be fatal. This page gives you information on who could be at risk, and advice on what to do in the case of a heatwave.

Information to help you during a heatwave

  • listen to bulletins on radio and television and follow health advice
  • if a heatwave is forecast, try to plan your day in a way that allows you to stay out of the heat
  • if possible, avoid going out during the hottest part of the day (11am - 3pm)
  • if you can’t avoid strenuous activity like sport, DIY, or gardening, keep it for the cooler parts of the day such as early morning
  • 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 water with you and use a high protection sun screen to prevent burning to the skin
  • if you can, stay inside, in the coolest rooms in the house (close curtains in rooms that get a lot of sun) - keep windows closed while the room is cooler than it is outside and open them when the temperature inside rises, and at night for ventilation
  • where you need to open windows, open them at different locations, leaving doors open to create a breeze through the house, to aid the cooling process
  • take cool showers or baths and splash yourself several times a day with cold water, particularly your face and the back of your neck - try to use spray bottles to spray yourself with water when you are feeling hot
  • eat as you normally would; drink regularly, even if you do not feel thirsty (water and fruit juice are best) - try to eat more cold food, particularly salads and fruit, which contain water, and avoid alcohol, tea and coffee
  • older people are much more prone to the effects of heat - you can help older relatives or neighbors by checking on them; every day if possible, and reminding 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, and using a fan if necessary

Further information