Who is most at risk from the heat?
Severe heat during summer can be very damaging to health and, on rare occasions, can be fatal.
Everyone should be careful in the sun, but some groups are more at risk than others. Those at greater risk are:
- older people - check on older neighbours and relatives as often as possible, reminding them to drink plenty and often
- babies and young children - ensure they are kept in the shade and given regular drinks throughout the day to prevent them from dehydration
- people with mental health problems
- people with a serious chronic condition (particularly breathing or heart problems)
- people who already have a high temperature from an infection
- people who use alcohol or illicit drugs
- people with mobility problems.