Summer Safety Top Tips

Hot weather affects us all, but older people and those living alone are more at risk. We urge everyone to look after themselves during the heatwave.

Who's most at risk?

A heatwave can affect anyone, but the most vulnerable people are:

• older people – especially those over 75 and female
• those who live on their own or in a care home
• people who have a serious or long-term illness including heart or lung conditions, diabetes, kidney disease, Parkinson's disease or some mental health conditions
• people who are on multiple medicines that may make them more likely to be badly affected by hot weather
• those who may find it hard to keep cool – babies and the very young, the bed bound, those with drug or alcohol addictions or with Alzheimer's disease
• people who spend a lot of time outside or in hot places – those who live in a top-floor flat, the homeless or those whose jobs are outside

Summer Top Tips

1: Drink water

Try to drink at least six to eight glasses (1.5 to 2 litres) of water a day.

2. Manage health conditions

Health conditions can get worse in the heat, and many medicines can be affected by hot weather. Keep medicines below 25 degrees Celsius or in the fridge (read the storage instructions on the packaging). Take extra care to stay cool and seek medical advice if you need it.

3. Look out for others

If you know someone who lives alone or is older, unwell, or needs extra help, check in on them. Make sure that they can keep themselves cool and seek medical help if needed.

4. Carers

If you are a carer, remember to look after yourself in the heat, as well as the person you are caring for.

5. Heat exhaustion

If you, or anyone you are caring for feels unwell, dizzy, irritable, faint, tired, very thirsty, or has painful muscle spasms when the weather is hot, this could be a sign of heat exhaustion. Cool down and drink plenty of water. If you can’t cool down in 30 minutes call NHS 111 or 999 in an emergency, because this can turn into heatstroke, which is serious.

6. Fire risks

Reduce the risk of fire. Safely put out cigarettes, never leave a BBQ unattended and don’t leave glass bottles lying around.

Hot weather and health: supporting vulnerable people