> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://wiki.greatcollaboration.uk/knowledgebase/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://wiki.greatcollaboration.uk/knowledgebase/society/emergency-planning/heatwaves.md). # Heatwaves The UK Government has considerable advice to share as part of its [Prepare campaign](https://prepare.campaign.gov.uk/). As well as advice about [heatwaves](https://prepare.campaign.gov.uk/be-informed-about-hazards/hot-weather/), there is also advice about the [storms](https://prepare.campaign.gov.uk/be-informed-about-hazards/storms/) and [floods](https://prepare.campaign.gov.uk/be-informed-about-hazards/flooding/) that can follow on immediately after heatwaves. Although many people enjoy warmer, summer weather, anyone can become unwell if they get too hot. People can become unwell through overheating, dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Hot weather can also place strains on water and energy networks, road and rail transport, and health and fire services. This can result in power cuts, restriction or loss of water supplies, and disruption to transport. *** ### **Who is most at risk?** Hot weather can affect anyone, but some people face a higher risk of being impacted by heat. Some of the groups who may be most at risk are: * Older adults. * Babies and young children. * Pregnant people. * People with underlying health conditions (particularly heart and breathing problems). * People who are physically active and spend a lot of time outdoors (e.g., runners, cyclists, manual labour jobs). * People experiencing homelessness. * People who live alone and may be unable to care for themselves. * Those who live in top floor flats, or homes with restricted or limited windows. *** ### **Actions to take to prepare for hot weather and heatwaves** * Those who are likely to be at greater risk should take extra care to protect themselves before periods of hot weather. If you know anyone who might be at greater risk you can ensure that they are aware of the actions they need to take to keep themselves safe, and offer practical help if appropriate (e.g. helping them to stock up on water or medication). * Read about the symptoms of [heat exhaustion and heatstroke](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/heat-exhaustion-heatstroke/) and understand the actions to take if you or someone else has them. Heat exhaustion does not usually need emergency medical help if you can cool down within 30 minutes. If it turns into heatstroke, it needs to be treated as an emergency. * If you live in a home that is more likely to overheat (e.g., a top floor flat or homes with restricted opening of windows), contact your [local council](https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council), your letting agency or [Citizen’s Advice](https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/) to find out what help and support they can provide. * Consider any modifications you could make to your home to keep it cool, such as installing external shutters or awnings, internal blinds, or growing plants outside to shade south facing windows. * If a period of hot weather is forecast, prepare your vehicle for hot weather by checking your tyres, fluid levels, battery and air conditioning, and pack water bottles in your car boot in case of a breakdown. Guidance is available from the [RAC.](https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/news/motoring-news/extreme-heat-warning-should-you-be-driving/) *** ### **Actions you can take during a spell of hot weather or when one is forecast** * Check the weather [forecasts](https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/) and warnings, or download the Met Office Weather Forecast app where you can create alerts for your area. Pay particular attention to any [National Severe Weather Warnings](https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/warnings-and-advice/) or [Heat Health Alerts](https://ukhsa-dashboard.data.gov.uk/weather-health-alerts/heat) covering your area, and act on any advice issued. * Check your heating is turned off and check that your fridges, freezers and fans are working properly. * Ensure that family, friends and neighbours who may be at higher risk of becoming unwell are aware of, and following, actions to keep themselves safe. If you are worried about someone else’s health, contact your local pharmacist, your GP or NHS 111, who will all be able to offer advice and support. * Drink plenty of fluids. If you are going out, take a refillable bottle filled with water. * Keep out of the sun as much as possible between 11am and 3pm when UV levels are highest. * Wear lightweight loose-fitting light-coloured clothes, and if you go outside, seek shade, apply sun cream, and cover up with appropriate clothing (e.g. sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat). * Apply sunscreen generously and re-apply frequently, especially after activities that remove it, such as swimming or towelling. The NHS website has [advice on sunscreen and sun safety](https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/seasonal-health/sunscreen-and-sun-safety/). * Schedule physical activities (e.g., exercise, walking the dog) for times of the day when it is cooler, such as the morning or evening. * Keep your home cool by shading and closing windows and curtains, especially in rooms that face the sun, and opening windows when the air feels cooler (e.g., at night). * During hot weather, it may be cooler outside (in the shade) or in a public building (such as places of worship, local libraries, or supermarkets): visiting these places may be an alternative way of cooling down if you are able to safely travel there without putting yourself at risk from the heat. * Small, closed spaces such as stationary cars can get dangerously hot very quickly. Make sure that babies, children, older adults and pets are not left alone in stationary cars or other closed spaces. Take extra water for journeys on public transport or by car. * Allow extra time for journeys: road surfaces can be damaged by heat, and hot weather can mean speed restrictions are introduced on rail lines (resulting in delays and/or cancellations). Check advice issued by transport operators ahead of time, and follow ‘Do Not Travel’ warnings. * If you go swimming (either in a public pool or open water), [read advice on safe summer swimming](https://www.rlss.org.uk/listing/category/summer-water-safety) from the Royal Life Saving Society. ### Cold Water Shock The term ‘cold water shock’ refers to a range of natural reactions that our bodies take to protect us when we enter cold water (although these reactions can sometimes work against us). With cold water being anything from approximately the temperature of a swimming pool and below, we are not just talking about icy cold water. There are three stages that your body goes through during cold water shock, starting with one that you will be familiar with: a mild version of the sensation of getting into the swimming pool, characterised by a gasp for breath, then followed by rapid breathing (hyperventilation). At the same time as your breathing goes out of control, your blood pressure shoots up as your body tries to keep your blood warm by moving it towards the middle of your body (this is why you go pale when you’re cold). Once your breathing is back under control, this is your window to get out of the water before the further effects of cold water shock kick in. As your muscles cool, your strength, endurance and muscle control reduce to the point when you can’t swim any longer, so you can’t rescue yourself. The point at which you can’t swim any more is called ‘swim failure’, and if you haven’t got out of the water or managed to get hold of a buoyancy aid (like a lifejacket) by this time, you will drown. 47% of UK accidental drownings occur between May and August. We also see a heightened risk of drowning when air temperatures are higher. When UK average maximum air temperatures reach or exceed 25°C... * There is a fivefold increase in accidental drowning risk, when compared to days with an average temperature of 10°c * Over half (57%) of those who drowned were swimming, reflecting more people actively entering the water * Teenagers (aged 13-17 years) and young adults are proportionately more likely to lose their lives Accidents are mostly preventable with the correct knowledge and judgment, and here are some tips for staying safe in the water during the summer. #### Stop And Think Is the area safe? Consider potential hazards—too deep or too shallow, currents, tides, underwater objects. Enter slowly and carefully, and never jump from heights. Think carefully about your ability to splash or swim in cold outdoor water. Are you really a good swimmer? Research local information and conditions - read local signs and speak to locals, including the lifeguards. Never use inflatables in open water – although they look fun, inflatable water toys can quickly get caught in the wind and be blown out to sea. #### Stay Together Seek lifeguarded areas and always ensure someone is available to raise the alarm. Don’t go too far – enter the water slowly, stay within reach, stay within a standing depth and always be supervised. #### In An Emergency If you fall in or become tired, stay calm, float on your back, and call for help. If you see somebody who has fallen in, throw something that floats to them. Ensure the whole family knows basic water safety and what to do if they find themselves unexpectedly in the water. Call 999 - ask for the Coastguard if you are at the coast. Don’t enter the water to rescue. Be sure everyone in your group knows who to call in an emergency. If you are abroad, ensure you know the correct number to call. ### Threats to Wildlife All of the above advice relates to threats to humans, but there are risks to wildlife from incursive swimming that: * disturbs nesting birds * displaces both young and adult members of all native species * damages natural habitats There have been unwelcome disturbances at places like Hampstead Heath where people have ignored signs to stay in designated swimming areas and invaded areas reserved for wildlife. The "Stop and Think" advice above also includes being thoughtful about local wildlife, not chasing them away from where you may be thinking about swimming, and respecting any signs that forbid swimming due to the protction of local wildlife. *** ### **Further information and resources** Read information on [how to stay safe and keep your home cool](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/beat-the-heat-hot-weather-advice) during hot weather. The Met Office provides [guidance on hot weather and its impacts, including how to keep your pets safe](https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/warnings-and-advice/seasonal-advice/health-wellbeing/hot-weather-and-its-impacts) and for regularly updated seasonal advice visit [WeatherReady](https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/warnings-and-advice/weatherready). Read advice from the NHS about [how to cope in a heatwave](https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/seasonal-health/heatwave-how-to-cope-in-hot-weather/). Public Health Wales has published guidance on [how to enjoy summer safely](https://phw.nhs.wales/topics/summer-safety/) and [how to manage in extreme hot weather](https://phw.nhs.wales/services-and-teams/environmental-public-health/extreme-hot-weather/). Read advice on [staying safe in hot weather in Scotland](https://ready.scot/respond/severe-weather/hot-weather). --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. 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