Heatwave Advice

Avoid heating your home

Make sure your central heating and any heat sources, such as electric heaters are turned off. You can also turn off and unplug appliances and electronics when they're not in use, as well as avoiding having too many lights on.

It's also a good idea to consider cooking at cooler times in the day or choose meals that don't require the use of an oven or hob that create additional heat.

When to use an electric fan

Electric fans can be great to help cool your home but only when the temperature is below 35 degrees otherwise you may end up spreading warm air around your home and making it even hotter.

To get the most out of your fan, make sure it's clean and has been dusted before placing in the middle of the room. You can also place a bowl of ice water or frozen bottles in front of the fan to cool the air as it passes.

Keep windows and curtains closed

Opening a window when it's warmer outside than inside can often make your home hotter, as hot air can get in. During the hottest part of the day keep the hot air out by keeping your windows closed. This also includes your curtains, blinds or shutters. If you don't have a covering at your window hanging a towel or bed sheet will shut out the sun.

Find a cool space

If you're struggling to keep cool in your home, public spaces like libraries, shopping centres and supermarkets can be cooler. Local authorities may also have set up cool spaces where anyone can go. They usually advertise these on their website and social media channels. Please only leave your home if it's safe for you to do so.

Create a cool room

It can be hard to keep an entire home cool, so choose one or two rooms like a bedroom, or sitting room to keep cool by shutting the door and using the tips on this page.

Seek medical help if needed

If you're concerned about an uncomfortably hot home that's affecting your health or someone else's health, seek medical advice by calling your GP or NHS 111 service. If it's an emergency call 999.