Vale of White Horse District Council
Abbey House, Abbey Close,
Abingdon, OX14 3JE
Email: comments@whitehorsedc.gov.uk
Telephone: 01235 520202

Vale of White Horse District Council

Heatwave

Although heatwaves are uncommon in England, in hot spells where temperatures remain abnormally high over more than a couple of days, excessive heat can sometimes prove fatal.

In severe heatwave the body can overheat and dehydrate leading to exhaustion or heatstroke. Both of these conditions will require urgent treatment. 

People most at risk from extreme heat are babies and young children, older people including those living in care homes, as well as people in at-risk groups (such as people who have mental health problems, mobility problems or who are bed-bound, or have serious chronic conditions, or people on certain medication).

 During hot weather, people are advised to:

• Keep out of the heat – and avoid going out during the hottest part of the day between 11am-3pm
• If you have to go out stay in the shade. Wear a hat and loose-fitting clothes, and take plenty of water with you.
• When inside stay in the coolest rooms of your house and keep the curtains closed in rooms that get a lot of sun.
• Make sure you drink regularly even if you do not feel thirsty – water or fruit juice are best. Try to avoid tea or coffee as they make dehydration worse.
• If you are worried about your health during a heatwave contact your doctor, a pharmacist or NHS Direct (0845 4647) for advice.

For more information about the symptoms of heat exhaustion or heatstroke, as well as more advice on what to do during hot spells please see the "NHS guide to looking after yourself and others during hot weather", which can be downloaded from the right of the page.