Staying safe during the heat
At this time of year most of us look forward to some warm, sunny weather and the chance to spend time outdoors, but it’s important to remember that some people struggle to cope in the heat.
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.
Staying cool indoors is important, taking action like closing curtains on rooms that face the sun but also remembering that it may be cooler outdoors than indoors.
And if you’re out and about, try to keep out of the sun and avoid physical exertion in the hottest part of the day.
Stay safe when swimming
Swimming in the sea, rivers or lakes can seem like a good way to stay cool. It can also be dangerous!
- Look for warning signs, and only swim where there are lifeguards
- Don’t swim away from the beach
- Never swim after drinking alcohol
- Get out as soon as you feel cold - open water can give you cold water shock
- Wear a life jacket if you are boating or fishing
- Always swim with another person so you can help each other
Find out more about the dangers of swimming in open water. See: Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue water safety advice
Useful links to more information
- NHS - how to cope in hot weather (who is most at risk, tips, and what signs to watch out for with heat related illness)
- NHS - heat exhaustion and heatstroke (how to check for signs of heat exhaustion; prevent it and cool someone down)
- Gov.uk - Beat the heat (hot weather advice)
- Gov.uk - hot weather health guidance and advice (how to stay connected, keep well and find somewhere cool)
- Met Office - WeatherReady (up-to-date, expert seasonal advice from carefully selected organisations to help you prepare for and respond to the weather, to stay safe and protect yourself, your homes and businesses)
- Met Office - 10 things you should do now to prepare for summer (simple steps that you can take to stay safe and healthy this summer, from preparing your home or business, to taking care of yourself, your family and your neighbours)