Get the best from your NHS
Heatwave advice
Protecting yourself and others during hot weather
Climate change means that heatwaves and high temperatures are likely to become more common in England.
Who is at risk?
Anyone can experience heat-related symptoms but some people may be at higher risk of serious harm. They include:
- Babies and young children.
- Older people, especially women and those over 75.
and people with:
- serious mental health problems.
- certain medication requirements.
- chronic conditions - particularly breathing or heart problems.
- a high temperature from an infection.
- mobility problems.
- physically active lives,
e.g manual workers, or those taking part in sports activities.
Staying safe
Planning ahead can reduce your own risk of getting ill and help protect anyone you know who could be vulnerable.
What you can do:
- Keep out of the heat - avoid going out between 11am and 3pm
- Stay cool - keep in the shade; wear light, loose-fitting cotton clothes
- Drink regularly - lots of water or fruit juice, but avoid tea, coffee and alcohol
- Take a cool shower, bath or body wash
- Stay sun safe - apply high factor sun cream when out in the sun
- Check on people you know who may be at risk
How to keep safe in hot weather
Seek advice if you have concerns
Contact a doctor, pharmacist or NHS Direct if you are worried about your health during a heatwave, especially if you are taking medication, if you feel unwell or have any unusual symptoms.
Watch for:
- cramp in your arms, legs or stomach
- feelings of mild confusion
- weakness
- problems sleeping
If you have these symptoms, rest for several hours, keep cool and drink water or fruit juice. Seek medical advice if they get worse or don’t go away.
In a clear medical emergency where a person is plainly seriously ill, telephone 999 or 112 and ask for ‘ambulance’.
Further information
NHS Brighton and Hove, Sussex Community NHS Trust,,
Brighton & Hove City Council and other partner agencies have worked together to finalise a local heatwave plan for the city.
National resources are available below.
- Looking after yourself and others during hot weather
- Looking after yourself and others during hot weather (large print version)
- The Department of Health Heatwave plan 2011
- The Department of Health Heatwave plan 2011 (large print version)
Guidance for health professionals
All health care organisations will receive information from the PCT regarding changes in any heatwave alert levels, as detailed in the National Heatwave Plan. If you need further guidance or advice, please contact the emergency planning manager for your Trust, or (for GP surgeries), at the PCT.