Most of us welcome hot weather, but when it’s too hot for too long there are health risks, especially for the very young, the elderly and the seriously ill.

“There is considerable evidence that heatwaves are dangerous and can kill,” says Graham Bickler of the Health Protection Agency. “In the 2003 heatwave there were 2,000 to 3,000 excess deaths in England. Across Europe, there were round 30,000 excess deaths.”

The recently-published Department of Health's heatwave plan for 2010 has advice on how to cope during a heatwave.  Knowing how to keep cool during long periods of hot weather can help save lives.

"Most of the information is common sense," says Graham Bicklet.  "It's not rocket science but it can have a dramatic effect."

If hot weather hits this summer, take steps to make sure it doesn't harm you or anyone you know.

Whilst extreme heat is dangerous to everyone, it is especially so to babies and young children, older people and those living in care homes.

 The Chief Medical Officer, Sir Liam Donaldson, said: “Although severe heatwaves are uncommon in England, the experience across Northwest Europe in 2003 is a reminder that heat can be fatal.

“Taking action in advance can help reduce the number of excess deaths from heat. This plan will help make sure that the NHS and care services are prepared should a heatwave arrive.

“The elderly are particularly vulnerable and it is important that those aged over 75, especially those who live alone or in care homes, take precautions to avoid heat exhaustion and heat stroke.”

Health experts say it takes just two consecutive days of heatwave temperatures to have a significant effect on health.

 In a severe heatwave the body can overheat and dehydrate, leading to heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Symptoms can include headaches, nausea, hot, red and dry skin and confusion. Heatstroke can result in irreversible damage to the body, including the brain, or death.

Measures that everyone can take to protect their own health are set out in the leaflet ‘Heatwave: looking after yourself and others during hot weather’ (pdf file)

• Plan your day so you stay out of the heat
• Avoid going out between 11am and 3pm - the hottest part of the day If you go out, stay in the shade, wear a hat and light, loose clothes
•  Carry water
• Take cool showers or baths - splash yourself with cold water, particularly your face and the back of your neck
• Try to eat more cold food, particularly salads and fruit, which contain water
• Look after older people. They are much more prone to the effects of heat. If you have older relatives or neighbours, you can help simply by checking on them, if possible, every day and by reminding them to drink plenty and often. Help them to keep their house as cool as possible, drawing curtains, opening windows at night, or using a fan, if necessary.

A ‘Heat-Health Watch’ system runs from 1 June to 15 September which, based on Met Office forecasts, will trigger levels of response from the Department of Health, the NHS, Local Authorities and other bodies.

This monitoring system will trigger one of four levels of alert:-

Level 1 – summer preparedness and long term planning

Level 2 – Alert and Readiness – 60% risk of heatwave in 2 – 3 days

Level 3 – Heatwave Action - heatwave temperature reached in one or more regions

Level 4 – Emergency – heatwave for four or more days in two or more regions

Heatwave: Supporting vulnerable people before and during a heatwave: advice for health and social care professionals (2010)

Heatwave: Supporting vulnerable people before and during a heatwave: advice for care home managers and staff (2010)

You can get advice on protecting your skin during hot weather from the CancerResearch UK SunSmart campaign website