Advice to help avoid adverse health effects of extreme heat this week
First published on 18 July 2022
- Population health
The Met Office (external website) has updated its amber warning for extreme heat to more parts of Scotland this week.
During this spell of hot weather, it is important that people are aware of precautions they can take to ensure they stay safe.
Simple measures that offer protection in hot weather include:
- be cool - stay indoors or within the shade during the hottest times of the day (between 11am and 3pm) and avoid physical activities at this time
- wear light, loose clothes and a broad brimmed hat and apply sunscreen when outside
- keep well hydrated by drinking plenty of water
- avoid excess alcohol
- taking care when swimming or getting into water that you are unfamiliar with
As well as looking after ourselves, considerations should also be made for those who are at particularly high risk and less able to look after themselves, such as young children, older people and those with underlying health conditions. It is important to remember to check on others and never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle.
The Scottish Government Resilience Room (SGoRR) (external website) remains in operation and further information is available online:
Summer health | NHS inform (external website)
Keep yourself safe in hot weather (external website)
UK weather warnings - Met Office (external website)