Survival tips for a heatwave

What to do in a heatwave:

• Slow down. Avoid strenuous activity or, if you must exert yourself, do it in the coolest part of the day (early morning).
• Stay indoors as much as possible. If you have no air conditioning, stay out of the sunshine and on the lowest floor where it will be cooler. Go to an air conditioned public building for a couple of hours each day.
• Use electric fans. They don't cool the air but they do help sweat evaporate, which cools your body.
• Wear lightweight, light-coloured clothing that will reflect the sun and allow air to circulate around your skin.
• Drink plenty of water regularly, even if you don't feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol or caffeinated drinks. Drinks like cold beer may feel thirst-quenching but they dehydrate you.
• Eat little and often. Avoid high-protein foods as they increase metabolic heat.
• Don't take salt tablets unless you've been instructed to by your doctor.

Recognise the signs:

• Heat exhaustion: cool, moist, pale or flushed skin; heavy sweating; headache; nausea or vomiting; dizziness; exhaustion. Body temperature will be near normal.
• Heat stroke: hot, red skin; changes in consciousness; rapid, weak pulse; rapid, shallow breathing. Body temperature can be as high as 40^oC. If the person is sweating from exertion the skin will be wet – otherwise it may be dry.

Treatment:

• Heat cramps: Get the person to rest somewhere cooler. Gently stretch the affected muscle. Give them a half glass of cool water every 15 minutes.
• Heat exhaustion: Get the person to a cooler place. Remove tight clothing and cover them in cool, wet towels or sheets. If they're conscious, get them to drink cool water. Make sure they drink slowly – half a glass every 15 minutes is about right. Watch carefully for changes in their condition.
• Heat stroke: This is life-threatening. Call an ambulance immediately! Move the person somewhere cooler and keep them lying down. You need to cool them down quickly: put them in a cool bath or cover them with cool damp towels or sheets and turn an electric fan on them. Watch out for breathing difficulties. If they are vomiting or slipping in and out of consciousness, don't give them food or liquids.