Heat summary - supporting vulnerable people for all users
Information for people who regularly come into contact with vulnerable people in their job roles.
Applies to England
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Topic: climate-related hazards
Hazard: all climate-related hazards, heat
Part of: supporting vulnerable people
Key resources for supporting vulnerable people:
Summary
Hot weather can be dangerous, especially for older adults, children, those with chronic conditions, including mental health conditions, those prescribed certain medication and those unable to adapt their own behaviours or environments. It can cause dehydration, heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and worsen existing health problems like heart and lung diseases.
Anyone can become unwell when the weather is hot. The main causes of illness and death during high temperatures are related to elevated risk of heart attack, stroke, lung problems and other diseases. People who are at higher risk of becoming seriously unwell include:
- older people aged 65 years and over (note change from previous guidance of 75 years of age and above)
- babies and young children aged 5 years and under
- people with underlying health conditions, particularly: heart problems, breathing problems, dementia, diabetes, kidney disease, Parkinson’s disease, or mobility problems
- pregnant women
- people on certain medications
- people with serious mental health problems
- people who are already ill and dehydrated (for example from diarrhoea and vomiting)
- people who experience alcohol or drug dependence
- people who are physically active and spend a lot of time outside such as runners, cyclists and walkers
- people who work in jobs that require manual labour or extensive time outside
- people experiencing homelessness, including rough sleepers and those who are unable to make adaptations to their living accommodation such as sofa surfers or living in hostels.
- people who live alone and may be unable to care for themselves
Who is this guidance for
Detailed guidance has been developed for a range of professional groups. These guidance materials offer advice for preparing and responding to episodes of high temperature for those caring for people most at risk. They are part of a wider collection of documents providing guidance on how to minimise the health effects of adverse weather and to build community resilience.
Other information
This guidance applies to England. It was updated in 2024 and is scheduled for review in 2029.