Checking on someone during hot weather

Anyone can become unwell in hot weather, but risk is higher for older people, babies and young children, pregnant women, people living alone and people with conditions affecting the heart, lungs, kidneys, mobility, memory or temperature regulation.

Some medicines also need special storage or can affect how the body responds to heat. Prescribed medicine should not be stopped without advice from a medical professional.

A short practical conversation is more useful than asking only whether someone is fine.

• Do they have cool drinks within reach and are they drinking regularly?
• Can the sun-facing windows be shaded?
• Is the main room hotter than outside, and can windows be used safely later?
• Are fans, curtains or shutters easy for them to operate?
• Do they have food and essential medication without needing a hot journey?
• Is there a cooler nearby place they can reach safely?
• Would another call or visit later in the day help?

Close blinds on the sunny side, turn off unnecessary heat-producing equipment, refill water, move a chair or bed to a cooler room, or help plan transport to a cooler public building.

People may know the general advice but be unable to carry it out because of mobility, memory, cost, security concerns or the layout of their home.

If someone has symptoms of heat exhaustion, move them to a cooler place, remove unnecessary clothing, give cool fluids and cool their skin. Stay with them and check whether they improve.

Use NHS 111 if symptoms are difficult to manage or advice is needed. Call 999 for signs of heatstroke, including confusion, seizures, loss of consciousness, very hot skin, fast breathing, or illness that continues after 30 minutes of cooling.