Beat the Heat - Stay safe and cool

With temperatures rising across the UK, we want to make sure everyone in our community stays safe and well. Extreme heat can affect anyone, but it is especially risky for older people, young children, and those with underlying health conditions.

Here at Healthwatch, we are sharing official guidance from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) advice to help you protect yourself and your loved ones during the hot weather.

Beat the heat: hot weather advice - GOV.UK

Beat_the_Heat_2026.pdf

Download PDF • 373KB

Are you a local professional, care worker, or community leader?

If you run a care home, community group, or manage housing, please download these official UKHSA posters and checklists to use with your residents.

Printing out the Easy Read versions and displaying them in communal areas, or handing out the home checklist to your service users, is a fantastic way to ensure everyone understands how to protect themselves during a heatwave.

Beat_the_heat_staying_safe_in_hot_weather_EASY_READ.pdf

Download PDF • 2.56MB

Beat_the_heat_keep_cool_at_home_checklist_EASY_READ_-_Updated.pdf

Download PDF • 1.86MB

Top tips for staying safe in the sun

• Keep out of the sun during the hottest part of the day (usually between 11am and 3pm).

• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and avoiding excess alcohol.

• Keep your home cool by closing blinds and curtains on windows that face the sun.

• Look out for others: Check in on vulnerable neighbours, friends, and family members to make sure they are coping.