With multiple heatwaves already this summer and more warm weather potentially still to come, it’s important to take steps to protect yourself and those around you. Getting too hot can be dangerous, particularly for young children, older adults, pregnant women, and people living with health conditions
Fortunately, there are some straightforward ways to stay cool and reduce the risk of heat-related illness.
We worked with Professor Hugh Montgomery (University College London, UK) and Professor Mike Tipton (University of Portsmouth, UK) to share a practical guide explaining how the body gains and loses heat, along with simple actions you can take to stay safe during periods of hot weather.
Download the heat safety guide
Please share this resource with colleagues, friends, family members and anyone who may be more vulnerable to hot weather.
Guide summary: how to keep cool
Stay out of direct sunlight where possible
- Seek shade, especially under trees.
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen and loose, light-coloured clothing.
- Avoid intense physical activity, whether work or play
Keep indoor air cool
- Close blinds, curtains and shutters on windows exposed to direct sunlight.
- Keep windows and doors closed when it’s hotter outside than indoors.
- Open them again when the temperature drops later in the day.
- If possible, go to a community space with air conditioning
Stay hydrated
- Drink water regularly throughout the day.
- Eat water-rich foods such as watermelon.
Carry heat away from you
- Take a cool shower. Run it slow to save water and bills!
- Using a hand or electric fan over the whole body is better than just the face.
- Wrap an ice pack or pack of frozen peas in a tea towel and place it in areas such as your armpit and your groin.
Hot weather can be particularly challenging for people who are older, unwell, living alone or housebound. A quick check-in can make a real difference.