Heatwaves

Extreme heat is one of the deadliest weather hazards, and it's often older people, babies and those with health conditions who suffer most. Staying cool and checking on others saves lives.

Before hot weather arrives

Find the coolest room in your home, usually one facing away from the afternoon sun.
Get blinds, curtains or reflective film for sunny windows.
Know where your nearest cool public space is, such as a library or shopping centre.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist whether heat affects any medicines you take.

During a heatwave

Drink water regularly, before you feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and lots of caffeine.
Keep out of the sun between late morning and mid-afternoon, when it's strongest.
Close curtains on sunny windows during the day. Open windows at night when it's cooler outside.
Wear loose, light-coloured cotton clothes and a hat outdoors.
Cool your skin with water: a cool shower, a damp cloth on your neck, or your feet in a bowl of water.
Eat light, cold meals. Avoid using the oven.
Never leave children, older people or pets in a parked car, even for a few minutes.

Check on vulnerable people

Visit or call older neighbours, people living alone and anyone who is unwell at least once a day. Make sure they're drinking, keeping cool and have what they need. Babies and young children need extra fluids and shade.

Know the warning signs

Heat exhaustion: headache, dizziness, heavy sweating, cramps, feeling sick, pale clammy skin, fast pulse.

Move them somewhere cool and lie them down with their legs slightly raised.
Give water or a rehydration drink.
Cool their skin with water and fan them.
They should feel better within 30 minutes.

Heatstroke is an emergency: hot skin that may be dry, confusion, slurred speech, fits or collapse.

Call your local emergency number (112 in Europe and many other countries, 911 in North America).
Cool them as fast as you can: wet their skin and fan them, put cold packs in the armpits and neck, or cover them with a cool wet sheet.
If they're unconscious but breathing, put them in the recovery position.

Animals and homes

Give pets shade and plenty of water. Walk dogs early or late, when the ground is cool enough to hold the back of your hand on it.

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