Homes can heat up quickly during the day, especially in sunny weather.
During the day:
- Close curtains or blinds in rooms that get direct sunlight (especially south-facing windows)
- Keep windows closed if it’s hotter outside than inside
- Turn off lights, TVs and appliances when you’re not using them (they add heat)
- Avoid using ovens – use the hob, microwave or cold meals instead
At night (when it cools down):
- Open windows to let cooler air through
- Open windows on opposite sides of your home if you can (this helps air flow through)
- Keep bedroom doors open to allow heat to escape
Sleeping in the heat:
- Use a thin sheet instead of a duvet
- Keep a glass of water by your bed
- A cool shower before bed can help you sleep
Hot weather can lead to dehydration and heat exhaustion.
Make sure you:
- Drink water regularly – don’t wait until you feel thirsty
- Eat light meals (salads, fruit) instead of heavy, hot food
- Avoid alcohol or too much caffeine, as these can dehydrate you
When you’re outside:
- Stay in the shade where possible
- Avoid being outdoors between 11am and 3pm
- Carry a refillable water bottle when you’re out and about
- Use sunscreen and reapply it
If you start to feel unwell:
- Move somewhere cooler
- Sit down and drink water
- Cool your skin (cold cloth, fan, or shower)
Children can get hot and dehydrated much faster than adults. Here are some tips on keeping them cool.
Boost water intake through food
If kids won’t drink water, try foods with high water content. Try fruit like watermelon, oranges, or salads and jelly, or Ice lollies (made with water or squash) can help too.
Don’t rely on once-a-day sunscreen
“Once-a-day” sunscreen doesn’t last. Reapply every two hours, especially after swimming or towel drying. Use at least SPF 30 and 4-star protection, 30 minutes before going out, and don’t miss areas like ears, neck, shoulders and feet.
Keep bedrooms cool at night
- Close curtains during the day to keep heat out.
- Use a fan to move air (not directly onto children).
- Give a cool bath before bed to lower body temperature.
- Keep bedding light and open windows/doors slightly for airflow.
Thinking of cooling off? Be careful around open water
When it’s hot, it can be tempting to jump into a river, lake or reservoir – but this is where a lot of serious accidents happen.
Even on warm days, open water can be dangerous. The water is often much colder than it looks, which can cause cold water shock and make it hard to control your breathing. There may also be hidden hazards, sudden drops or strong currents that are difficult to see.
To stay safe, only swim in designated, supervised areas and never jump or dive into open water. Don’t go in alone, and make sure children are always kept close.
If you get into trouble in the water, try to float on your back, stay calm and call for help. In an emergency, call 999 and ask for the relevant emergency service.
