Heatwave advice
Staying safe in the heat
As temperatures rise, it’s important to take precautions to stay safe and well in the hot weather. While many of us enjoy the sunshine, high temperatures can pose a risk to our health, particularly for vulnerable groups.
Higher temperatures can affect your health in different ways both direct and indirect. Direct effects include dehydration, heat cramps, heat rash, dizziness and fainting, heat exhaustion, heatstroke and in more serious cases could lead to a heart attack.
Indirect effects include an increased demand on health care services, power outages and wildfire which can lead to smoke inhalation.
The top ways for staying safe when the heat arrives are to:
- Look out for those who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated. Older people, those with underlying conditions and those who live alone are particularly at risk.
- Close curtains on rooms that face the sun to keep indoor spaces cooler and remember it may be cooler outdoors than indoors.
- Use cool spaces if going outdoors.
- Drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol.
- Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children, vulnerable adults, or animals.
- Try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm, when the UV rays are strongest.
- If you have to go outside in the heat, walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Avoid physical exertion during the hottest parts of the day.
- Make sure you take water with you if you are travelling.
