Prepare for a heatwave and keep cool

Make a cooler space at home

Shade windows receiving direct sun. Keep windows closed while outside air is hotter than indoors, then open them when it is cooler outside if safe. Turn off unused lights and appliances that produce heat, and use the coolest room for resting or sleeping.

Plan somewhere cooler you can reach if your home overheats. Check that it will be open and accessible, and arrange transport before you need it. A room thermometer can help you notice heat building up.

UKHSA advice on staying safe in hot weather (opens in a new tab)

Change the day's routine

• Plan exercise and demanding jobs for cooler parts of the day; reduce strenuous activity when it is hot.
• Use shade, light clothing, a hat and sunscreen outdoors.
• Drink regularly and carry water when travelling, allowing for delays.
• Use cool water on your skin or take a cool shower to help cool down.
• Never leave babies, children, anyone who needs assistance or pets alone in a parked vehicle.

NHS advice on coping in a heatwave (opens in a new tab)

Plan around health needs

Arrange regular contact with someone who lives alone or cannot easily cool themselves. Check that they can reach drinks, use shading and get help. Agree what you will do if they do not answer.

If a clinician has restricted your fluids, ask your care team for an individual hot-weather plan. Some medicines affect how people cope with heat. Ask a pharmacist or prescriber about your medicines and storage instructions; do not stop or change doses yourself.

NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service: heatwaves and medicines (opens in a new tab)

Recognise illness and start cooling

Heat exhaustion can cause dizziness, headache, nausea, cramps, heavy sweating, thirst or unusual tiredness. Move the person somewhere cooler, remove unnecessary clothing, cool their skin with water and a fan, and offer cool fluids if they can drink safely. Stay with them.

They should begin to feel better within 30 minutes. Heatstroke is an emergency: call 999 for serious symptoms such as confusion, fast breathing, a seizure or unconsciousness, or if cooling does not help. Continue cooling while waiting and follow the call handler's instructions.

NHS heat exhaustion and heatstroke guidance (opens in a new tab)

Your hot-weather checklist

UKHSA Heat-Health Alerts cover England and describe expected health impacts. They are separate from UK-wide Met Office warnings. Follow local health and emergency advice for your nation.

• Check forecasts and Met Office warnings for your location.
• Identify the coolest room and how you will shade and ventilate it safely.
• Agree check-ins and transport for anyone needing support.
• Prepare water for trips and check medicine storage instructions.

UKHSA Weather-Health Alerting System (opens in a new tab)