Your Health Barnet blog

In the hot weather, you can look after yourself, your family and the people around you by doing a few simple things.

Temperatures above 25°C can cause serious illness, including dehydration, heat cramps, heat rash, dizziness, fainting, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke. Older people, babies and young children, and people living with long-term health conditions are more at risk – but heat can affect anyone. 

Stay cool 

• Avoid going out during the hottest part of the day (11am to 3pm). 
• Do gardening, exercise or other physical activity in the morning or evening. 
• Close curtains and windows during the day, and open these at night. 
• Stay in the shade, in public buildings, or visit one of Barnet's Cool Spaces. 

 Stay hydrated 

• Drink plenty of fluids – water is best – even if you don't feel thirsty. 
• Limit alcohol, caffeine and very sugary drinks, which can cause dehydration. 
• You can use the Refill app to find nearby places to top up your water bottle for free. 

 Stay connected 

• Check on family, friends and neighbours who may struggle in the heat – especially if they live alone or have a health condition. 
• If you're at risk yourself, ask someone to check on you too. 

 Sun safety 

• Apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and 4 or 5 stars. Reapply every two hours. 
• Cover up: wear a hat, sunglasses and light clothing. 

 Know the signs 

• Heat exhaustion can lead to heatstroke. Look out for dizziness, feeling sick, muscle cramps, fast shallow breathing or cool, pale skin. Move the person to a cool place, give them water and cool their skin. If they don't improve within 30 minutes, call NHS 111. 
• Heatstroke is a medical emergency. Call 999 if someone has a very high temperature, hot skin that isn't sweating, a fast heartbeat, confusion, a seizure or loses consciousness. 

Cool Spaces in Barnet 

If your home is too warm, Cool Spaces – libraries, community centres and other public buildings – are open as places to rest, cool down and have a glass of water. 

For full advice and a list of Cool Spaces, visit www.barnet.gov.uk/heatcanharm.