Staying Safe in the Heat: Important Advice for Our Community
Hertfordshire is expecting an exceptional spell of hot and humid weather, with temperatures in the shade likely to exceed 37°C for two to three days. Nights will also remain very warm, reducing the body’s ability to recover. These conditions can be challenging for everyone — but they pose particular risks for people living with dementia, their carers, and others who may struggle to recognise or respond to heat.
This guidance from Hertfordshire County Council’s Community Wellbeing Team is essential reading for all of us, and especially important for families, carers, volunteers and staff supporting people in the community.
🌿 Why hot weather is especially risky for people living with dementia
People living with dementia may:
- Not recognise signs of overheating or dehydration
- Forget to drink regularly
- Wear clothing that is too warm
- Be less able to communicate discomfort
- Become disoriented more quickly in extreme heat
These risks also apply to older people, babies and young children, people with long‑term conditions, those taking certain medications, pregnant women, people who work outdoors, and anyone who is socially isolated.
High temperatures can lead to dehydration, breathing or heart problems, heat exhaustion or heatstroke. Symptoms include thirst, dizziness, headache, nausea, sweating, weakness, confusion, collapse, or a very high temperature.
☀️ Key steps to stay safe in hot weather
- Avoid the sun between 11am and 3pm
- Drink plenty of fluids — and ensure drinks are within easy reach for anyone who may forget or struggle
- Wear loose, light clothing and a hat
- Keep indoor spaces cool: close blinds and windows during the day, open them at night
- Eat foods with high water content
- Use SPF sun cream
- Don’t sit in direct sun for long periods
- Check on neighbours, friends or relatives who may be vulnerable
- Turn off unused electrical equipment to reduce indoor heat
- Use fans only when temperatures are below 35°C
- Avoid overloading power sockets
- Store medicines safely, as heat can affect how they work
If you are supporting others — especially outdoors — please also take care of yourself. Ensure vehicles are safe for travel, and consider how to support staff with young children if schools close.
🧊 Helpful resources
- Beat the Heat – Easy Read booklet
- NHS: Heatwave – how to cope in hot weather
- Be Ready for Anything
- Cool Spaces across Hertfordshire
Community & People Wellbeing Team Farnham House, Six Hills Way, Stevenage, SG1 2ST E: community.wellbeing@hertfordshire.gov.uk