Make sure you know what to do in extreme heat

Leading health organisations across the UK recommend:

• Try to keep your house cool; closing blinds or curtains can help.
• At night, keep your sleeping area well ventilated. Night cooling is important as it allows the body to recuperate.
• Try to stay cool by taking cool showers or baths and/or sprinkle yourself several times a day with cold water.
• Avoid too much exercise when very hot, which can cause heat exhaustion or heat stroke, and watch for signs of heat stress - an early sign is fatigue.
• Drink plenty of fluids, but not alcohol, which dehydrates the body.
• Try to eat as you normally would. Not eating properly may exacerbate health-related problems.
• Keep your vehicle well ventilated to avoid drowsiness. Take plenty of water with you and have regular rest breaks.
• If you have vulnerable neighbours who may be at risk during a heatwave, try to find out if someone is already looking after them or if they could benefit from a daily phone call.
• If you do go out for exercise or venture into your garden, try to avoid the hottest part of the day (11 am to 3 pm) and seek shade where possible. Avoid being in the sun for long stretches. Wear lightweight, light-coloured clothing, high factor sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat.
• The UV index (the strength of the sun) can be high at many times of the year - it doesn't have to be hot. The UV index can be strong through cloud even when the sun isn't directly shining.
• Reapply an appropriate factor sun cream at regular intervals during the day.

Never leave children or animals in parked cars. Even on cool days, strong sunshine can make car interiors very hot.