Hot weather advice: staying safe and keeping cool this summer
With warmer weather on the way, it’s important to take simple steps to look after yourself and your home during periods of heat.
The UK Health Security Agency has published its updated Beat the Heat guidance to help people stay safe, particularly those who may be more vulnerable to high temperatures.
Top tips to stay safe in hot weather
Hot weather can affect anyone, but young children, older people and those with health conditions may be more at risk.
To help you stay safe and comfortable, remember to:
- Keep out of the sun during the hottest part of the day (usually between 11am and 3pm)
- Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, even if you don’t feel thirsty
- Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing to help keep cool
- Use shade, hats and sunscreen when spending time outdoors
- Avoid strenuous activity during peak temperatures.
These small steps can make a big difference in preventing heat exhaustion or other heat-related illnesses.
Keeping your home cool
Your home can heat up quickly during periods of high temperatures. The guidance recommends:
- Closing curtains or blinds in rooms that face the sun
- Keeping windows closed during the day, especially when it’s hotter outside
- Opening windows at night when the temperature drops, if it’s safe to do so
- Using fans where possible to help circulate air
- Turning off electrical items that aren’t in use, as they can generate heat.
Following these tips can help keep your home more comfortable during hot weather.
Spotting the signs of heat-related illness
It’s also important to recognise when heat may be affecting your health.
Look out for symptoms such as:
- Feeling dizzy or faint
- Headaches
- Feeling sick
- Excessive sweating
- Tiredness or weakness.
If you or someone else feels unwell, move somewhere cooler, drink water and seek help if symptoms continue.
Accessible advice for everyone
The full Beat the Heat guidance is available online, including easy-read versions to support clear and accessible information for all customers.
These include:
- Staying safe in hot weather (easy read)
- Keep cool at home checklist (easy read)
Both resources provide simple, practical advice in an easy-to-follow format.
Find out more
Read the full guidance and access the easy-read documents:
Beat the Heat: staying safe in hot weather
