Heat can affect anyone, but some people are at a greater risk of serious harm. These include older people, babies, young children and people on certain medication.
Dealing with the heat
Make sure you and those you care for are sufficiently hydrated. Dehydration can cause significant health problems and, in extreme cases, lead to death.
Reduce the risk:
- 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
- avoid extreme physical activity. If you have to do it save it for cooler parts of the day such as early morning or the evening
- wear light, loose-fitting cotton clothes
Cool yourself down:
- have plenty of cold drinks, avoid excess alcohol, caffeine and hot drinks
- eat cold foods and fruit with a high water content
- take a cool shower, bath or body wash or keep a damp cloth on the back of your neck
- keeping your living space cool. This is especially important for infants, the elderly, people with chronic health conditions or people who can't look after themselves
- keep windows that get the sun closed during the day and open them at night
- keep curtains closed over windows that get the sun in the morning and afternoon
- make sure pets are in a ventilated room and have plenty of water to drink