Heat and sun
Top tips to stay safe and well in the heat
General tips for all alert levels
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water or diluted fruit juice, avoid alcohol, caffeine and hot drinks
- Keep cool indoors: Close curtains on sun-facing windows, open windows at night when it’s cooler, turn off unused lights and electrical items
- Dress appropriately: Wear light, loose-fitting cotton clothes and a sunhat
- Use sun protection: Apply sunscreen regularly
- Avoid the sun: Stay out of direct sunlight, especially between 11am and 3pm
- Avoid strenuous activity: Exercise or do physical tasks in the early morning or evening
- Take cool showers or baths to lower body temperature
Look after vulnerable people
- Check on elderly, isolated, ill, or very young individuals
- Ensure they are staying cool and hydrated
- Store medicines below 25°C or in the fridge, as required
Travel and outdoor safety
- Take water with you when travelling
- Never leave children, pets, or anyone in a parked vehicle
- Walk in the shade if you must go out
- Be cautious near water and follow local safety advice
Know the signs of heat illness
- Learn to recognise heat exhaustion and heatstroke
- If someone shows symptoms of heatstroke, call 999 and try to cool them down
Homelessness support
- The Salvation Army offers shelter and food for those without accommodation
- Contact IOW Council Housing Team if you see someone sleeping rough
Yellow heat health alert
Risk Level: Low – unlikely to affect most people, but may impact vulnerable groups (elderly, young children)
What you need to do when a yellow heat health warning is issued
- Stay in the shade or wear a sunhat if outdoors
- Keep homes cool by shading windows during the day and opening them at night
- Stay hydrated with water; avoid alcohol and caffeine
- Use suncream
- Be aware of signs of heat exhaustion or heatstroke
Amber heat health alert
Risk Level: Moderate to High – potential impact on the whole population, especially those over 65 or with health conditions
What you need to do when an amber heat health alert is issued
- Avoid the sun between 11am and 3pm
- Walk in the shade, wear a hat, and apply sunscreen
- Avoid strenuous activity during the hottest parts of the day
- Drink plenty of cool fluids
- avoid alcohol, caffeine, and hot drinks
- Take cool showers or baths
- Keep living spaces cool by closing sun-facing windows and curtains during the day
- Check on vulnerable individuals
- Store medicines below 25°C
- Know the symptoms of heatstroke and call 999 if needed
Red heat health alert
Risk Level: Severe – significant risk to life for the entire population
What you need to do when a red heat health alert is issued
- Look out for vulnerable people such as older adults, babies and those with health conditions
- Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol/caffeine
- Stay indoors during peak sun hours between 11am until 3pm
- Wear light, loose-fitting clothes
- Never leave children or pets in parked vehicles
- Keep indoor spaces cool by closing curtains and turning off unused electrical appliances
- Be cautious near water
- Follow local safety advice and call 999 in emergencies