Heatwave preparedness kit

Heat is a quiet disaster: no damage to the house, but serious risk to older people, young children and anyone with health problems. The kit is mostly water, electrolytes and a plan to keep at least one room cool.

Before it happens

• Keep curtains and windows closed during the day, open at night when it’s cooler outside.
• Stock extra water and oral rehydration salts.
• Check on older neighbours and relatives.
• Know where the nearest cool public space is.

When it happens

• Avoid the heat of the day, roughly 11:00 to 15:00, and strenuous activity.
• Drink regularly, even if you’re not thirsty, and limit alcohol.
• Never leave children or pets in a parked car.
• Fans alone don’t prevent heat illness when it is very hot; spend some hours in a cool room or a cool public space.

Know the warning signs

• Heat exhaustion (headache, dizziness, heavy sweating, cramps): move to a cool place, lie down, drink water, and cool the skin.
• Heatstroke (confusion, hot dry skin, collapse) is an emergency: call the emergency number and cool the person while you wait.

The kit

Start with the L1 kit (72 hours). For this hazard, these items matter most:

• Portable power station
• Oral rehydration salts (electrolytes)

Sources: NHS, CDC, WHO. Last reviewed: October 2026.