Advice on how to help people sleeping rough and most vulnerable during a heatwave
They may not have ready access to water or shade to cool down and may not know where to access help. This page will tell you how to keep yourself and others safe during high temperatures.
Drugs, alcohol, and the heat
While having a cold alcoholic drink in the summer may seem like a good way to cool down, it can impact how your body works. Alcohol limits your body’s ability to regulate itself properly, dehydrating you quicker. It does this in two ways; sweating and needing to go to the toilet more often. These mean you lose more fluid than you take on, leading you to become dehydrated. If you are going to be drinking alcohol in hot weather, make sure to drink water as well. This helps to keep your body temperature regulated and stop you getting dehydrated.
Certain drugs have the same effect as alcohol when taking in extreme heat. Cocaine, ecstasy, and amphetamines all impact the way your body temperature is regulated. It’s important when taking any type of drug that you go low and slow, especially during high temperatures. Take a small dose and see how you feel before taking any more. Again, make sure to drink plenty of water between doses to keep yourself hydrated.
How you can help people sleeping rough in a heatwave
If you see someone out in the sun who may be sleeping rough and vulnerable to heat-related illnesses, there are a few ways you can help. Try handing out items such as:
- Sun cream
- Frozen water bottles
- Hats and sunglasses
- Handheld fans
- Umbrellas
- Light weight t-shirts
These can all offer a welcomed break from the heat. If you're based in London, the London Cool Spaces app (opens in a new tab) shares where people can access water and shade.
The NHS has four simple things you can do if you find someone suffering with heat exhaustion.
- Move them to a cool place
- Lie them down and slightly raise their feet
- Give them plenty of water, sports or rehydration drinks
- Cool their skin with a spray or sponge
If they don’t cool down within 30 minutes, then you should call 999 immediately. If the person become unresponsive you need to put them into the recovery position (opens in a new tab).
Other support
Other resources online offering advice on helping the vulnerable stay safe during a heatwave.
StreetLink allows you to report someone who is sleeping rough (opens in a new tab). The outreach team will then find the person, offering them support and advice to stay cool.
The NHS have some simple tips on how to cope in hot weather (opens in a new tab) and who the most vulnerable are. These groups may need extra care during a heatwave.
British Red Cross has published some guidance on how to perform first aid for heat stroke (opens in a new tab). Whether this is looking after yourself or someone who may be vulnerable to the heat. It expands more on what signs to look for and how to cool someone down and get help.