Reminder to VCSE organisations who interact with members of the public and particularly vulnerable people to be informed about heat safety.

Please help keep people well by sharing information and tips about how to keep cool in hot weather, and the importance of staying hydrated.

There is a lot of information and resources which you can learn from and share to help protect yourself, service users and communities against the impacts of hot weather. Recommendations:

  • Upskill and inform your teams and volunteers:
    • 30 minute Webinar on Wednesday 3 July 12:30 – 13:00 – Heatwave and summer preparedness – aimed at anyone in Leeds that works with high-risk groups that are vulnerable to the effects of heat – details of how to join are below.
    • Sign up to the Met Office’s weather alerts: www.metoffice.gov.uk/about-us/guide-to-emails. The alerts changed to a new system in 2023, so re-register if you signed up before then.
    • Read the Beat the heat checklist for hot weather (word document download). The checklist provides useful prompts for discussions with people. 

Key messages

In hot weather it’s important to take extra care to look after yourself and others. The key messages are as follows:

Some people are particularly vulnerable to heat including:

  • older people, especially those over 75 
  • children, especially those under four
  • those who live alone or are socially isolated
  • people with long-term health conditions, particularly heart and breathing problems, and those on multiple medications or with reduced mobility
  • those who find it difficult to adapt their behaviour in warmer weather, for example due to dementia or alcohol/drug misuse
  • people who are at home during the day such as small children or home workers

Keep an eye on older people, young children and those with heart and lung conditions – their bodies can struggle to cope in the heat and they are at greatest risk.

  • Keep in touch – listen to the weather forecast and the news. Look after yourself, older people and the young. Plan ahead to avoid the heat.
  • Keep well – drinks plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol. Dress appropriately for the weather and slow down when it’s hot.
  • Find somewhere cool – know how to keep your home cool, go indoors or outdoors, whichever feels cooler. Cars get hot so try and avoid enclosed spaces.
  • Watch out – be on the lookout for signs of heat related illness, cool your skin with water, slow down, drink water, stay safe when swimming.

Get help. Call NHS 111 or in an emergency dial 999.

Find out more: www.nhs.uk/heatwave

Selection of assets:

Keep your home cool during hot weather by closing blinds and curtains on windows Very hot weather is forecast if you or others feel unwell, get dizzy, weak or have intense thirst move to a cool place, rehydrate and cool down your body. staying safe in extreme heat. look about for vulnerable family, friends and neighbours. make sure they are aware of how they can keep cool and hydrated. stay well in the heat. 1, drink plenty of fluids. 2, dress appropriately, stay in the shade. 3, limit strenuous activity. look out for people who might struggle to keep cool like older people, young children and those with long terms health conditions.

Heatwave and summer preparedness – Lunchtime session (3rd July 12:30 – 13:00)

A 30 minute lunchtime session is being delivered for anyone in Leeds that works with high-risk groups that are vulnerable to the effects of heat. The session will cover top tips for how to help someone stay well during summer, hot weather health risks and key summer comms and resources

Microsoft Teams Need help?

Join the meeting now

Meeting ID: 363 642 582 112

Passcode: MhTL7Z

Dial in by phone

+44 113 486 2965,,167319317# United Kingdom, Leeds

Find a local number

Phone conference ID: 167 319 317#

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