Extreme Weather: Heat

Find out how to stay safe around the home in hot weather

Summer temperatures in Northern Ireland can be a risk to health, with young children and the elderly most at risk. Dehydration can cause significant health problems and lead to death in extreme cases. Vulnerable people, including the very young and very old, may be unaware of becoming overheated and not drinking enough liquids to stay hydrated.

If you are worried about the heat you can find information on Northern Ireland weather - Met Office website

Stay fit and well during a long warm spell by:

staying out of the sun, particularly between 11.00 am and 3.00 pm
keeping a household supply of medicines, food and non-alcoholic drinks, so you won't have to go out in the heat
keeping your home cool - shut windows when it's hotter outside than inside may help
opening windows at night when it's cooler will let heat escape and air circulate
drinking fluids regularly
doing strenuous outdoor activities, like DIY or gardening, during cooler parts of the day like early morning
reducing alcohol intake to a minimum
avoiding heavy and hot food; stay hydrated by eating plenty of fruit and salad
using a sun cream with a high sun protection factor (SPF) for protection from the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation - SPF 15 or greater is advised with a UVA Rating of at least 4 stars - find out more at Sun Protection (careinthesun.org)
wearing light, loose-fitting clothing, such as cotton, so sweat can evaporate
keeping out of the sun/seeking medical advice if you feel sick or dizzy

You must also take care of pets during warm weather. Make sure they have plenty of ventilation and liquid to stay hydrated. Provide shaded areas and consider keeping them inside during the hottest parts of the day.

Dogs should be walked early morning/later in the evening - if the ground is too hot for you to place and keep your hand on it, it is too hot for your dog's paws. Never leave a dog in a car on a hot day, even with the windows open: the car can quickly become hot enough to cause heatstroke, brain damage, and even death.

For more information please visit Hot weather advice | nidirect