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Keeping cool in hot weather

Keep cool in Kent. Drink plenty of water. Stay healthy this summer.

All local authorities in England have a responsibility to prepare for, alert people to, and prevent health problems caused by heatwaves.

Tips for staying healthy in the sun

Make sure you:

  • drink plenty of water
  • stay in the shade between 11am - 3pm
  • take rest breaks if you're out and about
  • wear sunscreen above SPF15 and cover up in the sun.

Download and print copies of the summer posters (PDF, 3.3 MB) for your workplace.

If you are having trouble printing the posters above, you can print them in a smaller size (PDF, 1.1 MB).

If you need medical assistance and it's not an emergency call 111 or visit NHS.

Who is at risk?

The heat can affect anyone, but some people may be more at risk, including:

  • older people, especially those over 75
  • babies and young children
  • people with a serious chronic condition, particularly dementia, heart, breathing or mobility problems
  • people with serious mental health problems
  • people on certain medications, including those that affect sweating and temperature control (for example diuretics, antihistamines, beta-blockers and antipsychotics)
  • people who are already ill and dehydrated (for example from gastroenteritis)
  • people who misuse alcohol or drugs
  • people who are physically active (for example soldiers, athletes, hikers and manual workers)
  • homeless people.

Many people who are at higher risk of ill health due to the hot weather are also at higher risk of severe illness from coronavirus. Find out how you can beat the heat, download the:

Watch out for signs of dehydration and heat exhaustion.

What can you do?

A few simple steps can help protect yourself and others during hot weather.

Watch our heatwave advice video for parents.

Make sure that you and your friends and neighbours are ready and equipped for a heatwave. Check up on friends, relatives and neighbours who may be less able to look after themselves and make sure they have enough supplies, such as food, water and any medication they need.

The links below provide further advice about how to protect yourself and others:

If you need medical assistance and it's not an emergency call 111 or visit NHS.

What are we doing?