Hot weather is normally welcome. Who doesn’t enjoy a warm and sunny day out? However, when it is too hot for too long, we have to take special precautions. Of course a heat wave can affect anyone, but older people (along with babies and young children) are especially vulnerable. What should we do to avoid the risks associated with extreme hot weather? 

First of all, we have to try to avoid the heat. It sounds simple, but many people don’t realise how important it is. Picture this: it’s summer and it has been raining for the last few days, but the weather suddenly changes and it gets very hot. Many people would go out and enjoy the lovely weather, which is great, but when it is too hot, we have to avoid going out between 11am and 3pm unless we have the chance to be in the shade. Is it midday and you need to go to the shop to buy milk? Just wait until it cools down a little.

Inside the house, try to keep rooms cool by using shades or reflective materials outside the windows. If this isn’t possible, try at least to keep the curtains closed. You should also shut the windows and open them once it is cooler. Find out which is the coolest room in the house so you know where to go to keep cool. Of course, drink plenty of cold drinks such as water and juice. And avoid alcohol! 

Finally, it is not about staying in all day watching TV, it’s just about taking some special precautions. We all have to enjoy the sun, but we have to do it responsibly.