19/06/2025
HEAT HEALTH ALERT updated for the East of England
An amber heat health alert is in effect from 12PM on 19/06/2025 until 9AM on 23/06/2025 across the East of England.
The following guides have been published to help deal with the affects of the heat. (links to these can be found on our Website)
Advice to help you beat the heat by staying safe in hot weather through prevention, cooling methods, and awareness of health risks has been published.
About hot weather
• Weather is getting warmer; July 2022 saw temperatures reach 40°C for the first time.
• Hot weather can lead to heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
• Stay informed by watching news weather forecasts.
Protect yourself from sun
• Stay in the shade between 11 am and 3 pm.
• Wear loose clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses.
• Drink plenty of water; limit alcohol consumption.
• Use sunscreen with a minimum of 30+ UPF.
How to cool down
• Move to a cooler location.
• Remove extra clothing.
• Consume cold drinks or ice lollies.
• Spray skin with cold water or use cold packs.
• Close windows and curtains facing the sun.
People at risk
• Individuals over 65 years old or under 5 years old.
• Those with long-term health conditions or living alone.
• People with dementia, mental health issues, or substance addiction.
• Anyone at home during the hottest part of the day.
Heat exhaustion
• Occurs when the body overheats; not usually an emergency.
• Symptoms include fatigue, headache, muscle cramps, nausea, heavy sweating, and intense thirst.
• Cool down quickly to prevent progression to heatstroke.
Heatstroke
• A dangerous condition when the body cannot cool down.
• Symptoms include confusion, lack of coordination, fast heartbeat, hot skin without sweating, and seizures.
• This is an emergency; call 999 and cool the person down.
Stay safe when swimming
• Swimming can be refreshing but also dangerous.
• Swim only in designated areas with lifeguards.
• Avoid swimming after consuming alcohol.
• Get out if you feel cold to prevent cold water shock.
• Wear a life jacket when boating or fishing and always swim with a buddy.
Beat the heat by keeping your home cool and understanding who is at risk during hot weather.
Keeping cool at home
• Hot weather can make it difficult to maintain a cool home.
• This booklet provides tips on who is at risk, how to cool your home, and where to seek help.
About homes
• Certain homes are more prone to overheating, including:
o Top floor flats and homes in cities.
o Well-insulated homes against cold weather.
o Homes with sun-facing windows that don’t open wide or lack blinds/curtains.
About people
• Individuals at higher risk of heat-related illness include:
o Those over 65 years old or under 5 years old.
o People with long-term health conditions or living alone.
o Individuals with dementia, mental health issues, or substance addiction.
o Those who are home during the hottest part of the day.
How to keep your home cool
• Suggestions for cooling your home include:
o Using curtains, blinds, or shutters on windows.
o Opening windows in the morning and evening.
o Turning off heating and using air conditioning if available.
o Ensuring fridge/freezer are functioning properly.
o Turning off unnecessary appliances.
o Storing medicines in a cool place as per label instructions
