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Preparing for hot weather

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Preparing for hot weather

Climate change is causing more frequent and intense periods of warm weather. It's important to know how to prepare and protect ourselves during hot weather.

How to respond to symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke 

Heat exhaustion does not usually need emergency medical help if you can cool down within 30 minutes. If it turns into heatstroke, it needs to be treated as an emergency.

The NHS website has information on recognising the symptoms of heat exhaustion and stroke. 

People, homes and spaces that are more at risk 

Some people are more likely to be ill because of hot weather and should be extra careful during summer. 

People who:

  • are over 65 years old 
  • are 5 years old or younger
  • have long-term health conditions
  • are at home during the hottest part of the day
  • have dementia, mental health problems, drug or alcohol addiction
  • live alone, are homeless, or need help to look after themselves. If you see anyone sleeping rough, you can refer them to Routes off the Street, or StreetLink

Homes and spaces more at risk of overheating include:

  • top floor flats
  • indoor spaces in cities
  • indoor spaces which are well insulated against cold weather
  • indoor spaces with windows that face the sun, don't open wide, don't have blinds or curtains 
  • indoor spaces without shading or tree canopies/plants outside

Before hot weather

We’re usually warned beforehand when a period of hot weather is coming, and it is helpful to plan for every summer period. 

Health alerts and weather warnings

Preparing yourself for hot weather 

  • store medicines in a cool place and read the label for instructions 
  • check that fridges, freezers, and fans are working correctly, for example by checking that your food is remaining cold or frozen

Preparing your home or indoor spaces for hot weather

  • use low energy lighting like LED lightbulbs as they generate less heat
  • insulate or seal hot water pipes or heat generating processes
  • consider installing internal blinds or curtains, solar films, or external shutters, roller blinds, shade sails or awnings are very effective in prevent heat entering your home
  • check if your fans or any cooling devices are working ahead of summer
  • if you have a ventilation system in your home, check this is switched on and operating in ‘summer mode’ if it has one
  • if insulating or refurbishing your home, ask installers for advice about reducing overheating
  • growing plants outside can provide shade, which may be particularly helpful in front of south-facing windows, while plants inside may help cool the air
  • if your home is experiencing overheating even after cooling measures above or from the cooling hierarchy, then you will need to apply for planning permission to install air conditioning 

During hot weather

When the hot weather arrives, there are many quick and easy steps that we can all take to reduce heat in the home.

Protecting yourself during heat

  • plan your journey and travel with water. Use a travel planner such as Citymapper that can inform you on which travel route has the least outdoor walking avoiding the sun, heat, rain and humidity
  • make sure you take water with you if you are travelling. Drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol. Find out where to refill water bottles for free using the Refill app
  • stay in the shade 
  • wear loose clothes, a wide brimmed hat and sunglasses
  • use lots of sunscreen. Check that the bottle says 30+ UPF. A number bigger than 30 is even better
  • if you are going to do a physical activity (for example walking the dog), plan to do these during times of the day when it is cooler, such as the morning or evening

Cooling yourself

  • move to somewhere cooler
  • take respite at your nearest Cool Space in Camden or your nearest Cool Space in London, public libraries or public in a public building (such as places of worship, local libraries, or supermarkets) - but only if you can safely travel there without putting yourself at more risk from the heat
  • take off extra clothes, like a jacket or socks
  • drink cold drinks or eat ice lollies 
  • spray skin with cold water
  • put a cold pack under your arms or on the back of your neck

Cooling your home or spaces

  • shade or cover windows, especially sun facing windows
  • only open your windows if the outdoor temperature is cooler than the inside (usually only open in morning and evening). When windows can be opened, maximise cross-ventilation
  • turn off any appliances that you do not need
  • consider cooking at cooler times of the day or preparing food that does not require use of heat
  • check that your heating is turned off and thermostat turned down if you have one
  • use electric fans if the air temperature is below 35 °C, but do not aim the fan directly at your body, as this can lead to dehydration 
  • increase evaporative cooling 
  • move to a cooler part of the house, especially for sleeping if possible
  • check the temperature of rooms, especially where people at higher risk live and sleep

Top tips on becoming a community 'Heatwave Hero' 

  • enjoy warmer summer weather whilst being mindful that some people become unwell through overheating, dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke
  • check on family, friends and neighbours who may be at higher risk of becoming unwell, if you are at higher risk, ask them to do the same for you
  • prepare ahead of summer, and spread the message to those around you to build heat resilience as a community  

Hosting a Cool Space

Join our "Cool Space +" initiative and help build resilience to extreme heat in Camden. We hope to create more free and accessible spaces for people to take respite during summer, and for them to know how to reduce the impacts of extreme heat.

Some ways you could support our initiative include:

  • providing a space for people to cool down
  • holding workshops 
  • sending volunteers
  • contributing funding towards drinking water machines, hats, umbrellas, etc.

If you would like to support in any way, fill in the expression of interest form. 

Further resources