Northamptonshire (West)

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ASK: How are you managing to stay cool and hydrated in this heat? Know the warning signs – dizziness, headache, confusion, or muscle cramps may signal heat exhaustion or heatstroke*.

ASSESS: Share simple cooling and hydration tips. Keep blinds closed, drink water, and cool down safely. stay out of the sun between 11am and 3pm.

ACT: Encourage checking on others at risk (elderly, children, isolated people) and knowing when to get help if feeling unwell.

Conversation tips

🏠Keeping Cool Indoors

• Open doors/windows early morning or overnight to bring in cool air.
• Close curtains/blinds on sunny sides during the day to trap cool air.
• Spend time in the coolest part of your home if possible.
• Turn down your boiler – cooler showers help reduce body heat.
• Use fans below 35°C; above that, they just move hot air.
• Turn off unnecessary lights/appliances – they generate heat.

🩵 Stay Hydrated & Eat Smart

• Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
• Encourage children to drink regularly.
• Avoid high-sugar drinks – they can worsen dehydration.
• Eat later in the evening when it’s cooler.
• Choose cold foods (salads, fruit, yoghurt) during the day.

👶 Keeping Children Cool

• Cool them down safely with sponging, spraying, or cold packs (neck, armpits).
• You can wrap them in a cool, damp sheet with a fan directed nearby (not directly).

💊 Medication Care

• Store medicines below 25°C, in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight or windowsills.

Resources:

Temperatures above 25°C increase health risks for:

• babies and young children
• older people
• homeless residents: (Rough Sleeping Team during office hours via StreetLinkand to the Council’s Out of Hours Emergency Service at all other times (0300 126 7000).
• outdoor/manual workers
• residents in flats
• those with long-term health conditions
• Guidance is available at: Heat health | West Northamptonshire Council
• *Seek medical help early – call NHS 111 if symptoms persist or worsen