Who is Most at Risk?
Elderly people, young children, pregnant women, people with heart or respiratory conditions, outdoor workers, and those without access to air conditioning or adequate ventilation are most at risk during heatwaves.
Before
- Prepare your home for hot weather: fit blinds or curtains to block direct sunlight, and identify the coolest rooms.
- Keep a supply of bottled water at home in case of disruption to the water supply during peak demand.
- Check on elderly neighbours, relatives or friends — especially those who live alone.
- Know the signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke (see below).
- Identify cool public spaces near you — air-conditioned shops, libraries, community centres — where you or a vulnerable person can go if needed.
- If you take regular medication, speak to your doctor or pharmacist about whether heat could affect you or your medicines.
During
- Stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day — generally between 11am and 3pm.
- Drink water regularly throughout the day, even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol, caffeine and sugary drinks.
- Keep your home cool: close windows and blinds during the day and open them at night when temperatures drop.
- Wear loose, light-coloured clothing and apply sunscreen if going outside.
- Never leave children, elderly people or animals in parked vehicles.
- Check on vulnerable people — elderly neighbours, those who live alone — at least twice a day.
- Signs of heat exhaustion: heavy sweating, pale and cool skin, fast and weak pulse, nausea, headache, dizziness, fainting. Move the person to a cool place, loosen clothing, and cool them with damp cloths. Give water if conscious.
- Signs of heatstroke: high body temperature (above 39°C), hot and dry skin, rapid pulse, confusion, loss of consciousness. This is a medical emergency — call 999 immediately.
After
- Continue to check on vulnerable people even as temperatures start to fall.
- Rehydrate gradually and rest if you have experienced heat exhaustion.
- If any medication was stored incorrectly in extreme heat, check with a pharmacist before taking it.
- Report any concerns about public infrastructure (e.g. burst water mains) to the relevant authority.