Staying safe in hot weather

It’s important to prepare for hot weather, just like we prepare for cold.

Disabled people can be more affected by hot weather. It can exacerbate existing conditions or impairments, and some medications can make you more sensitive to heat. You may also be worried about the cost of trying to stay cool.

Below are some tips to help you stay safe and manage your bills.

Check the weather forecasts and warnings, or download the Met Office Weather Forecast app where you can create alerts for your area.

If you live in England, the Heat-health Alert Service warns people of hot weather and heatwaves that may affect health. It’s free to sign up to email alerts.

Sign up to the Priority Services Register for free. You will get priority help from your energy and water company if there are planned or unplanned cuts to your supply. 

• When hot weather is expected, plan your activities to avoid being outside during the hottest part of the day, between 11am and 3pm  
• Read about the signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke so that you know the actions to take if you or someone else has them. 
• Check the news and local forecasts for advice on what to do if services such as power, water supplies and transport are likely to be affected. 
• Check air pollution forecasts and advice. Air pollution can become worse during hot weather and can cause problems for people with breathing problems. 

• Move to a cooler place such as a room with air conditioning or somewhere in the shade
• Go outside if it is cooler outside in the shade
• Remove all unnecessary clothing like a jacket or socks
• Drink cool water, a sports or rehydration drink, or eat cold and water rich foods like ice-lollies
• Apply cool water by spray or sponge to exposed skin. Using cold packs wrapped in a cloth and put under the armpits or on the neck can also help
• If you are concerned about symptoms, or they are worsening, seek medical advice by contacting NHS 111. In an emergency, or if you think someone has heatstroke, dial 999.

• Close blinds and curtains on windows that are exposed to direct sunlight during the day
• Close external shutters or shades if you have them
• Move to a cooler part of the house, especially for sleeping
• Open windows (if it is safe to) when the air feels cooler outside than inside, for example at night, and try to get air flowing through your home
• 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
• Check that any heating is turned off
• Turn off lights and electrical equipment that are not in use
• Public buildings such as places of worship, local libraries or supermarkets may be cooler than your home. If they are nearby consider visiting one of these as a way of cooling down.

If you, or a loved one, are disabled and worried about energy and water costs, Scope can help.

Our free Disability Energy Support service can help you manage bills and navigate benefits. You can access the service via phone or email.

We also offer Community Disability Energy Advice across Greater Manchester, Stoke, North and East London, Essex and East Anglia 

The advice on this website has been adapted from the following websites and resources:

Hot weather and heatwaves advice

• UK Health Security Agency easy read booklet about staying safe in hot weather.
• UK Health Security Agency BSL video about staying safe in hot weather.
• The UK Government’s Prepare website has advice about hot weather and heatwaves.

Keeping cool at home

• UK Health Security Agency easy read booklet about keeping cool at home.
• UK Health Security Agency BSL video about keeping cool at home.

Beat the heat

• UK Health Security Agency poster about beating the heat.
• UK Health Security Agency BSL video about beating the heat.