Protecting health and
reducing harm from severe heat and heatwaves
Key Public Health
Messages
Stay
out of the heat
• Keep
out of the sun between 11.00am and 3.00pm
• If
you have to go out in the heat, walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a
hat and light scarf
• Avoid
extreme physical exertion
• Wear
light, loose-fitting cotton clothes
Cool
yourself down
• Have
plenty of cold drinks, and avoid excess alcohol, caffeine and hot drinks
• Eat
cold foods, particularly salads and fruit with a high water content
• Take
a cool shower, bath or body wash
• Sprinkle
water over the skin or clothing, or keep a damp cloth on the back of your neck
• Keeping
your living space cool is especially important for infants, the elderly or
those with chronic health conditions or who can’t look after themselves
• Place
a thermometer in your main living room and bedroom to keep a check on the
temperature
• Close
curtains that receive morning or afternoon sun. However, care should be taken
with metal blinds and dark curtains, as these can absorb heat – consider
replacing or putting reflective material in-between them and the window space
• Turn
off non-essential lights and electrical equipment – they generate heat
• Keep
indoor plants and bowls of water in the house as evaporation helps cool the air
• If
possible, move into a cooler room, especially for sleeping
• Electric
fans may provide some relief, if temperatures are below 35°C *
Longer
Term
• Consider
putting up external shading outside windows
• Use
pale, reflective external paints
•
Have your loft and cavity walls insulated –
this keeps the heat in when it is cold and out when it is hot
• Grow
trees and leafy plants near windows to act as natural air-conditioners
(see " Making the Case ")
Look
Out for Others
• Keep
an eye on isolated, elderly, ill or very young people and make sure they are
able to keep cool
• Ensure
that babies, children or elderly people are not left alone in stationary cars
• Check
on elderly or sick neighbours, family or friends every day during a heatwave
• Be
alert and call a doctor or seek medical attention if someone is unwell or
further help is needed
If
you have a health problem
• Keep
medicines below 25 °C or in the refrigerator (read the storage instructions on
the packaging)
• Seek
medical advice if you are suffering from a chronic medical condition or taking
multiple medications
If
you or others feel unwell
• Try
to get help if you feel dizzy, weak, anxious or have intense thirst and
headache; move to a cool place as soon as possible and measure your body
temperature
• Drink
some water or fruit juice to rehydrate
• Rest
immediately in a cool place if you have painful muscular spasms (particularly
in the legs, arms or abdomen, in many cases after sustained exercise during
very hot weather), and drink oral rehydration solutions containing electrolytes
• Medical
attention is needed if heat cramps last more than one hour
• Consult
your doctor if you feel unusual symptoms or if symptoms persist
Adapted
from: WHO Europe public health advice on preventing health effects of heat
*
Use of Fans:
At temperatures above 35C fans may not prevent heat related illness.
Additionally fans can cause excess dehydration (Cochrane Review). The advice is
to place the fan at a certain distance from people, not aiming it directly on
the body and to have regular drinks. This is especially important in the case
of sick people confined to bed.
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