Supporting vulnerable people before and during hot weather: healthcare professionals

How to use the service

Consider the following actions to keep indoor temperatures as cool as possible: reduce indoor heat production by turning off non-essential appliances and heating systems externally shade south facing windows with shutters, awnings, or the placement of plants close windows when outdoor temperatures are higher than indoor temperatures (for example during the day) close any external shutters or shades, blinds and curtains – this keeps cooler air in, and hotter air out close and shade windows very early in the morning so that the heat does not build up consider adding temporary internal or external shading to any windows that do not have blinds, shutters or curtains, especially if they face east, west or south open windows (if it is safe to) when the air is cooler outside than inside, for example at night – try to get air flowing through the building if air conditioning is used, keep the windows closed to keep the cooler air inside check that fridges and freezers work properly with sufficient capacity to supply enough cool water and unspoilt food use fans if ambient temperature below 35°C –if temperatures are higher than this, fans can raise body temperatures planting trees and shrubs provide shade and cool the air around the building and indoor plants may help keep the indoors cool Further advice for buildings can be found in the Beat the heat: keep cool at home checklist .