Discover common mistakes to avoid and practical tips to prevent dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
When temperatures soar, it's tempting to reach for quick fixes to stay cool. Unfortunately, some of the most common ways people try to beat the heat can actually make things worse – or even put their health at risk.
With another heatwave likely to arrive this summer, now is the perfect time to separate the myths from the facts and make sure you, your family and your neighbours stay safe.
❌ Wrong: Waiting Until You're Thirsty to Drink
By the time you feel thirsty, you're already beginning to become dehydrated.
✅ Right:
Drink water regularly throughout the day, even if you don't feel thirsty. If you're sweating heavily, drinks containing electrolytes may also help replace lost salts. Limit alcohol, as it increases dehydration.
❌ Wrong: Throwing Open Every Window
Many people automatically open every window in the house.
✅ Right:
If it's hotter outside than indoors, keep windows and curtains closed during the hottest part of the day. Open them early in the morning and later in the evening when temperatures drop to let cooler air circulate.
❌ Wrong: Sitting in Front of a Powerful Fan All Day
Fans can help, but they're not a miracle cure.
✅ Right:
Electric fans work best when temperatures are below about 35°C. If they're simply blowing extremely hot air around, they may not cool you effectively. For people with allergies or respiratory conditions, consider using air purifiers or fans fitted with HEPA filtration to reduce airborne dust and pollen.
❌ Wrong: Leaving Pets or Children in Cars
Even for "just a minute".
✅ Right:
Never, ever leave children, older adults or pets in parked vehicles. Temperatures inside can rise to dangerous levels within minutes, even if the windows are slightly open.
❌ Wrong: Eating Heavy Meals
Large, hot meals can increase your body's temperature.
✅ Right:
Choose lighter meals such as salads, fruit, yoghurt and cold pasta dishes. Foods with a high water content, including watermelon, cucumber and strawberries, can also help keep you hydrated.
❌ Wrong: Ignoring Vulnerable People
Heat affects everyone differently.
✅ Right:
Older people, babies, pregnant women and those with heart, lung or kidney conditions are especially vulnerable. Check in on elderly relatives, neighbours and friends, particularly if they live alone.
❌ Wrong: Exercising During the Hottest Part of the Day
A midday jog might seem like dedication, but it can be dangerous.
✅ Right:
If you need to exercise, do it early in the morning or later in the evening. Wear loose, light-coloured clothing and drink plenty of fluids before, during and after activity.
❌ Wrong: Believing Sunburn Is the Only Risk
Heat-related illnesses can develop before your skin burns.
✅ Right:
Watch for symptoms including:
Dizziness
Headache
Muscle cramps
Excessive sweating
Nausea
Confusion
Rapid heartbeat
If someone becomes confused, stops sweating despite the heat, loses consciousness or develops a very high body temperature, seek emergency medical help immediately.
Stay One Step Ahead
Preparing for a heatwave doesn't have to be complicated. A few simple changes to your daily routine can dramatically reduce the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
Keep a bottle of water nearby, stay out of the strongest sunshine between 11am and 3pm where possible, wear a hat and sunscreen outdoors, and don't forget to check on vulnerable neighbours.
The next heatwave may be just around the corner, but with a little planning and some common sense, you can stay cool, comfortable and healthy whatever the thermometer says.
