Enjoy the sun safely

Hot weather can be dangerous, particularly for those who are vulnerable. Babies, young children, older individuals, those with underlying health conditions and individuals with longer term illnesses are included in this vulnerable category. 

As we age our body is less able to manage and control its own temperature. On top of this, it is also loses its ability to sweat.

This means we need to be cautious of our vulnerable and older community members. 

Keep yourself cool

• Where possible, avoid going out when the sun is at it's hottest- this is 11:00am - 3:00pm.
• If it is not possible to stay out of the sun, ensure you find shaded areas and places indoors in which you can take a break and cool down.
• When outside, wear loose fitting clothes and a hat.
• To cool your skin down, try drenching a t-shirt. The wetter it is the better it is a cooling you down.
• Take a cool shower - but not too cold, the safest way is to slowly cool yourself down.
• If you don't have access to a shower but do have access to a tap, put your hands and feet in cold water. The blood vessels are closer to your skin and so it is effective to cool yourself.

Keep your home cool

• Close curtains in rooms that face the sun.
• Keep the hot air out, so open windows at night when the temperature has dropped.
• Unplug any electrical items that are not being used, they can often emit some heat.
• Consider cooking at cooler times of the day, or if possible, make meals that do not require the use of an oven or hob.

Know the signs of overheating

• If you know someone who is vulnerable, check in on them to ensure they are coping with the heat.
• Heat stroke and heat exhaustion have similar signs but are treated differently. Take a look at our Right at Home Isle of Wight article on how to deal with the two.