Heatwaves

• Minimise unnecessary heating - turn off central heating, electrical equipment and lights that are not needed.
• Keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm- stay in the shade or cover windows exposed to direct sunlight.
• If you have to go outdoors, protect your skin by using shade, wear clothing that covers the skin, a wide brimmed hat, sunglasses and sunscreen with an SPF over 30 for adults and over 50 for children.
• Use natural ventilation such as open windows when the air feels cooler outside than inside (for example, at night) and where it is safe, secure and feasible to do so.
• Increase air flow through buildings wherever possible.
• Evaporative cooling – dampening your skin may help keep you cool.
• If you are using air conditioning, make sure it is using a fresh air supply.
• Electric fans need to be used with caution, as they may not be safe for higher temperatures and should not be used where a person may be incubating or suffering from an infectious disease. If in doubt, seek medical advice.

• Make sure you have enough water to drink.
• Each person needs 2–3 litres of drinking water each day.
• If you have any sign of dehydration, drink more fluids. Water is best. Oral rehydration sachets can also help - ask your pharmacist how to use them safely.
• Drink enough during the day so your urine is a pale clear colour.

The following groups are particularly vulnerable:

• Those over 65 years of age.
• Babies and children under 5 years of age.
• People with underlying health condition including problems with breathing, heart, or kidney disease and diabetes.
• Those with cognitive impairment such as dementia and Alzheimer's.
• People with heightened exposure to heat, such as those who work outdoors or those who are experiencing homelessness.

The person you are caring for may not have a sense of how much they're drinking.

To help them:

• Make sure they drink during mealtimes.
• Make drinking a social thing, like "having a cup of tea".
• Offer them food with a high water content – for example, ice cream or jellies, or fruits like melon.