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STAYING SAFE DURING THE HEAT - SUMMER 2024

Advice from Birmingham City Council's Public Health Division

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This is the time of the year when most of us look forward to spending time outdoors and enjoying the warm, sunny weather. Amidst the thrill of the sunny outdoors, we must remember that some people struggle to cope in the heat and are more vulnerable to serious health conditions when the weather is hot. The good news is, there are precautions to keep ourselves and the vulnerable people around us safe.

 

Who is vulnerable?

Anyone can become unwell when the weather is hot, but some people are at higher risk than others such as:

  • Older people aged 65+

  • People with underlying physical or mental health problems

  • Pregnant people, babies and young children under 5

  • People experiencing alcohol or drug dependence 

Click here to see full list of vulnerable people.

 

What can we do to stay safe?

There are a few simple things we can all do to stay safe during the hot weather.

  • Drink lots of water or other hydrating drinks and limit alcohol intake

  • Avoid being outside during the hottest part of the day (11am & 3pm)

  • If you do go outside, wear a hat and sunglasses, seek shade and apply sunscreen

  • Keep your home cool by closing windows and curtains in rooms that face the sun

  • Check on family, friends and neighbours who may be at higher risk of becoming unwell, and if you are at higher risk, ask them to do the same for you

  • Know the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke and what to do if you or someone else has them

Signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion

  • Tiredness, dizziness, headache, weakness
  • Feeling sick or being sick
  • Excessive sweating and skin becoming pale and clammy or getting a heat rash, but a change in skin colour can be harder to see on brown and black skin
  • Cramps in the arms, legs and stomach
  • Fast breathing or heartbeat
  • High temperature
  • Being very thirsty

Click here to learn more about heat exhaustion and heat stroke.


Travelling abroad:

Be mindful when travelling this summer as some countries are already experiencing heatwaves. This includes those holidaying in Greece and the Mediterranean as well as pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia for Hajj, where temperatures topped 50 degrees Celsius in the shade. Please ensure you take the same precautions to stay safe abroad as at home.


Click here to learn more about sun safety.


For more information about how to stay safe during hot weather, including how to keep your home cool: Beat the heat: staying safe in hot weather - March 2024

Council House, Victoria Square, Birmingham, B1 1BB
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