Stay out of the heat:
- keep out of the sun between 11am and 3pm
- if you have to go out in the heat, walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a hat
- and light scarf
- avoid extreme physical exertion
- wear light, loose-fitting cotton clothes
Cool yourself down:
- have plenty of cold drinks, and avoid excess alcohol, caffeine and hot drinks
- eat cold foods, particularly salads and fruit with a high water content
- take a cool shower, bath or body wash
- sprinkle water over the skin or clothing, or keep a damp cloth on the back of your neck
Keep your environment cool:
- keeping your living space cool is especially important for infants, the elderly or those
- with chronic health conditions or who can’t look after themselves
- place a thermometer in your main living room and bedroom to keep a check on the
- temperature
- keep windows that are exposed to the sun closed during the day, and open windows
- at night when the temperature has dropped
- close curtains that receive morning or afternoon sun, however, care should be taken
- with metal blinds and dark curtains, as these can absorb heat – consider replacing or
- putting reflective material in-between them and the window space
- turn off non-essential lights and electrical equipment – they generate heat
- keep indoor plants and bowls of water in the house as evaporation helps cool the air
- if possible, move into a cooler room, especially for sleeping
- electric fans may provide some relief, if temperatures are below 35°C2
