Skip to content
Stay Prepared

what to do in a heatwave

Keep your home cool, drink water through the day and check on anyone older or unwell.

Heat harms older people most, and most of that harm can be avoided. The UK Health Security Agency issues heat-health alerts in yellow, amber and red.

what to do

  1. Check the heat-health alert for your area

    Amber and red alerts mean the heat is likely to affect health services and people at risk.

  2. Keep the heat out

    Close curtains on windows that get the sun. Open windows when it is cooler outside than in.

  3. Drink water through the day

    Do not wait until you are thirsty. Go easy on alcohol and caffeine.

  4. Stay out of the sun from 11am to 3pm

    It is at its strongest then. Wear a hat and sun cream if you have to go out.

  5. Check on people at risk

    Older neighbours, babies and anyone with a heart or breathing condition. Call or visit once a day.

  6. Never leave anyone in a parked car

    This includes children and pets, even for a few minutes.

  7. Know the signs of heat exhaustion

    Headache, dizziness, sweating, cramps and feeling sick. Move somewhere cool, lie down, and sip water.

what to have ready

Check what you already have first, then buy only what is missing.

check your cupboard see the ready-made kits

Some links here earn us a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

where this comes from

Sources checked 24 September 2026.

more short answers