Heat wave health advice, especially important to groups that might be at more at risk during high temperatures, is available on the Hampshire NHS website.
To keep up to date with heat wave warnings and forecasts follow this link to visit the Met Office website.
Summer weather safety advice
Help to prevent heat-related illnesses by following the advice below.
Stay out of the heat:
- Keep out of the sun between 11am and 3pm.
- If you have to go out in the heat, walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a hat and light scarf.
- Avoid extreme physical exertion.
- Wear light, loose fitting cotton clothes.
Cool yourself down:
- Have plenty of cold drinks, but avoid caffeine and alcohol.
- Eat cold foods, particularly salads and fruit with a high water content.
- Take a cool shower, bath or body wash.
- Sprinkle water over the skin or clothing, or keep a damp cloth on the back of your neck.
Keep your environment cool:
- Place a thermometer in your main living room and bedroom to keep a check on the temperature.
- Keep windows that are exposed to the sun closed during the day, and open windows at night when the temperature has dropped.
- Care should be taken with metal blinds and dark curtains, as these can absorb heat – consider replacing or putting reflective material in between them and the window space.
- Consider putting up external shading outside windows.
- Have your loft and cavity walls insulated – this keeps the heat in when it is cold and out when it is hot.
- Use pale, reflective external paints.
- Turn off nonessential lights and electrical equipment – they generate heat.
- Grow trees and leafy plants near windows to act as natural air conditioners.
- Keep indoor plants and bowls of water in the house as evaporation helps cool the air.
- If possible, move into a cooler room, especially for sleeping.
Look out for others:
- Keep an eye on isolated, elderly, ill or very young people and make sure they are able to keep cool.
- Ensure that babies, children or elderly people are not left alone in stationary cars.
- Check on elderly or sick neighbours, family or friends every day during a heat wave.
- Be alert and call a doctor or social services if someone is unwell or further help is needed.
More information on staying cool in summer weather is available on the Hampshire NHS website.
