Message for parents/carers from Public Health Bexley

During the summer, many of us enjoy the longer days, warmer evenings, and time outdoors. But warmer weather also brings real risks to health, especially when temperatures climb higher than usual.  

High temperatures can affect anyone, not just those traditionally seen as vulnerable.  It’s important to check on family, friends and neighbours who may be at higher risk of becoming unwell, and if you are at higher risk, ask them to do the same for you. It is also important to keep children cool and be aware of the signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke. These are serious and potentially life-threatening conditions and it is important to know how to respond. 

There’s lots you can do to keep children cool 

• ensure children wear loose, lightweight, light-coloured clothing, and sunhats when outdoors   

• Actively encourage frequent drinking of water and fluids throughout the day.   

• Limit time in direct sunlight; prioritise shaded areas.   

• Apply and reapply high-factor sunscreen   

• Avoid vigorous physical activity during the hottest parts of the day.   

• Plan calm, low-energy activities instead.   

• Open windows early in the morning to release heat.   

• Once outdoor temperatures rise above indoor levels, close windows and blinds/curtains to keep heat out while maintaining ventilation.   

• Use oscillating mechanical fans to increase air movement if temperatures are below 35°C (above this temperature they may be counterproductive)  

• Minimise indoor heat by keeping lights off where possible and turning off equipment rather than leaving on standby   

• Ensure children in prams or pushchairs are shaded by using a parasol and make sure there is adequate air flow, remove any excess clothing and check on them regularly to make sure they are not overheated.    

Heat related illness  

It is important to be able to recognise the signs of heat related illness.  

Stay vigilant for signs of heat stress/dehydration: 

• Irritability, discomfort, or unusual behaviour   

• Reduced urination, dark urine, or dry nappies   

 Symptoms of heat exhaustion  

• tiredness  

• dizziness  

• headache  

• feeling sick (nausea) or being sick (vomiting)  

• excessive sweating and skin becoming pale and clammy (a change in skin colour can be harder to see on brown or black skin)  

• cramps in the arms, legs and stomach  

• a high temperature  

• being very thirsty  

• feeling irritable  

• move the child to a cool area and encourage them to drink cool water   

• cool the child as rapidly as possible, for example, by sponging or spraying the child with cool water and placing cold packs around the neck and armpits, or wrapping the child in a cool, wet sheet and assist cooling with a fan   

If you are concerned about symptoms, or they are worsening, seek medical advice.   

Heat exhaustion can lead to heatstroke and is a medical emergency.  

Symptoms of heatstroke may include:   

• confusion or lack of co-ordination   

• seizures (fits)   

• loss of consciousness   

• high body temperature – a temperature of or above 40°C (104°F)   

• red, hot skin that can be sweaty or dry   

• fast heartbeat   

• fast shallow breathing   

• diarrhoea   

If heatstroke is suspected, call 999 and then cool the child down whilst awaiting medical assistance. If a child loses consciousness, or has a fit, place the child in the recovery position and all 999 immediately and follow their instructions.   

For more information on staying safe in hot weather, see the government guidance Beat the heat: staying safe in hot weather - GOV.UK