Getting ready for summer

Introduction

Most of us welcome hot weather, but when it’s too hot for too long, there are health risks. If a heatwave hits next summer, make sure you’re prepared and able to protect those most vulnerable to the effects. The main risks posed by a heatwave are

• not having enough water (dehydration)
• overheating, which can make symptoms worse for people who already have problems with their heart or breathing
• heat exhaustion and heatstroke

The Heatwave Plan aims to prepare for, alert people to, and prevent, the major avoidable effects on health during periods of severe heat. It recommends a series of steps to reduce the risks to health from prolonged exposure to severe heat.

For more guidance see the documents below.