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Be prepared for hot weather

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Staying safe during the heat

While many people enjoy warmer summer weather, hot weather can cause some people to become unwell through overheating (becoming uncomfortably hot), dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

The good news is, we can all take precautions that allow us to enjoy the hot weather safely and help people who might be more vulnerable as the temperatures rise.

Who is at risk?

Anyone can become unwell when the weather is hot. People who are at higher risk of becoming seriously unwell include:

  • older people aged 65 years and over
  • babies and young children aged 5 years and under
  • people with underlying health conditions particularly heart problems, breathing problems, dementia, diabetes, kidney disease, Parkinson’s disease, or mobility problems
  • pregnant women
  • people on certain medications
  • people with serious mental health problems
  • people who are already ill and dehydrated (for example from diarrhoea and vomiting)
  • people who experience alcohol or drug dependence
  • people who are physically active and spend a lot of time outside such as runners, cyclists and walkers
  • people who work in jobs that require manual labour or extensive time outside
  • people experiencing homelessness, including rough sleepers and those who are unable to make adaptations to their living accommodation such as sofa surfers or living in hostels.
  • people who live alone and may be unable to care for themselves

What can we do to stay safe?

There are a few very simple things we can all to do stay safe when we experience high temperatures.

This includes looking out for people who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated. Get in touch with friends, family or neighbours that may need help keeping cool.

Keep your home cool

  • Close windows and curtains during the day, especially on sun-facing sides
  • Open windows at night when it is cooler
  • Use fans if available, but ensure good ventilation

 

Stay out of peak heat

  • Try to stay in cooler indoor spaces between 11am–3pm
  • If outdoors, seek shade and wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses

 

Hydration and nutrition

  • Drink plenty of fluids
  • Eat light, balanced meals

 

Know the Signs of Heat-Related Illness

 

Heat exhaustion symptoms include:

  • Heavy sweating
  • Dizziness or fainting
  • Nausea or headache

Small actions like staying hydrated, taking breaks, and looking after one another can prevent more serious health issues.

Open water safety

As temperatures rise in the British summertime, you or your family may be tempted to cool off with a swim in a local river or lake, or in the sea. Make sure you know the dangers of swimming in open water.

  • Jumping into open water can be fatal
  • Cold water shock kills, you don’t know what’s lurking beneath the surface and under-water currents can be deadly
  • If you get into difficulty in the water, float to live (external website)
  • If you see someone in difficulty in the water remember ‘call, tell, throw’
  • Call 999 and ask for the fire service if inland or the coastguard if by the sea
  • Tell the struggling person to try to float on their back
  • Throw them something that floats
  • Look out for hazards around water and stick to proper pathways
  • Let someone know where you are going and when you are coming back, if possible
  • Take any warning or safety signs seriously
  • Never enter the water to rescue your dog - who will rescue you?
  • If you encourage your mates to go in the water it could be the last time you see them.

Find out more about the dangers of swimming in open water. See: Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue water safety advice

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