Our Top Tips to Beat the Heat
Temperatures in the UK are rising with 7 out of the 10 hottest days taking place since 2002 and in July 2022, temperatures exceeded 40°C for the first time. By 2050, the UK will be 50% more likely to experience hot summers and as a result, heat-related deaths could triple to around 7,000 annually.
To help keep you safe, we’ve created this page with tips for keeping cool so that everyone can take practical steps to stay safe and beat the heat!
Keeping yourself cool
To beat the heat in warmer weather, make sure you:
- Stay hydrated
- Wear light coloured, lightweight clothing
- Use sun cream when outdoors
- Limit physical activity
Identifying heat related illness
Stay alert to the following signs which may suggest a heat related illness such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Take steps to cool down quickly, and in an emergency call 999.
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Rapid heartbeat
- Nausea
Our top tips to beat the heat in your home
Close blinds and curtains on windows that are exposed to direct sunlight during the day
Close external shutters or shades throughout the day if you have them
Open windows when the air feels cooler outside than inside (at night for example), and try to get cool air flowing into your home
At times when the air is cooler outside, try to get air flow moving through your home by opening all windows and doors (where it is safe to do so)
Move to a cooler part of the house, especially when resting or sleeping
Check that all heating systems are turned off, as this can also waste energy and money
Go outside if it’s cooler in the shade, or find a cool community space which you can visit when needed
Use electric fans (they only cost 15p for 10 hours of use!), but do not aim the fan directly at your body as this can lead to dehydration
Some plants have natural cooling effects so consider introducing these into your home
Fill a hot water bottle half full of cold water, squeeze the air out, secure the top, then freeze it. Once frozen, wrap in a towel as a way to keep you cool
Note: if you have used the water bottle to cool down in the freezer do not refill with boiling water – use a separate water bottle for hot and cold
Contact us
Groundwork’s Green Doctors are energy efficiency experts who offer free, impartial advice to help people save energy and live well in their home.
Please contact us on free phone: 0800 090 3638
Or email energyworks@groundwork.org.uk
