Staying well in extreme weather

The climate emergency is making hot summers more likely. It’s important to take the health effects of high temperatures seriously, like heatstroke and heat exhaustion and staying safe in water. 

People who are most vulnerable in very hot weather are:

• older people

• people with long-term conditions

• babies and young children 

• homeless people

When the Met Office issues a heatwave warning, this triggers our heatwave action plan. Teams across the council then follow plans to support and protect vulnerable people across the borough.

It is vital that everyone is aware of how to keep themselves and others safe in hot weather.

Older people

If you need help accessing support to keep your home cool, or for help with food or bills, and are aged over 60, contact Ageing Well Southwark on 0207 358 4077.

Store medicines correctly

Make sure medicines are stored according to the instructions on the packaging. Ask your pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns.

Public transport

The hot weather can affect travel. Before you travel check TfL for travel alerts and National Rail travel alerts as trains may be running at reduced speeds. Try to carry a bottle of water with you. You can find free drinking water at thousands of locations with Refill London.

Water safety 

Take care and follow local safety advice if you're going into the water to cool down, for example, swimming in rivers or docks. 

Useful links

How to cope in hot weather – tips from the NHS

The signs of heatstroke and heat exhaustion

If you're concerned about someone sleeping rough

Guidance from the Lullaby Trust on keeping babies safe over summer

Tips on health and hot weather from the UK government

Visit a ‘cool space’ in Southwark, like one of our libraries or leisure centres