Advice on coping with hot weather

Here are some hints and tips to help keep you healthy and safe during summer heatwaves, along with some other sources of advice and help:

• GOV.UK - Beat the heat: staying safe in hot weather
• GOV.UK - Beat the heat: keep cool at home checklist
• NHS - How to cope in hot weather
• Age UK - Advice for staying cool during a heatwave
• Buckinghamshire Council - Prepare for and respond to adverse weather and utility problems

Be prepared for hot weather

Don't be caught out by heatwaves - this is especially important if you are at higher risk of becoming seriously unwell. To prepare, you can:

• listen to the news and check your local weather forecast from the BBC or the Met Office so that you know when hot weather is expected
• when hot weather is expected, plan your activities for early morning or the evening, when it is usually cooler
• look out for advice on what to do if services such as power, water supplies and transport are likely to be affected
• check air pollution forecasts and advice, as air pollution can become worse during hot weather and can cause problems for people with asthma and other breathing problems.

When you go outside:

• Wear lightweight or loose-fitting clothes
• Wear a hat to protect your head and neck from burning
• Stay in the shade when possible
• Use a high factor sunscreen - at least SPF30 - on any exposed skin
• Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.

When you're indoors:

• Consider opening windows. Sometimes it may be better to keep the windows closed, draw the curtains and use a fan
• Try not to sit in direct sunlight, especially behind glass
• Ventilate the area as much as possible
• Stay hydrated by drinking water regularly.

Get in touch

If you need help and support, please get in touch with us via the portal and we'll be happy to help.