The UK Health Security Agency and the Centre for Climate and Health Security first published the Beat the heat resources for hot weather on 10 May 20231. The guidance applies to England and carries the reference GOV-191621.
The page describes the documents as information "on how to stay safe in hot weather, including how to keep your home cool"1. It says they set out who is at greatest risk of ill health from the heat, how to recognise when health may be affected by heat, and what to do if you or someone else becomes unwell as a result of the heat1. The resources are part of a wider collection of documents on minimising the health effects of adverse weather and building community resilience1.
The published set includes:
| Document | Format and size |
|---|---|
| Beat the heat: staying safe in hot weather | HTML |
| Staying safe in hot weather, easy read | PDF, 2.44 MB, 9 pages |
| Staying safe in hot weather, BSL video | Video |
| Keep cool at home checklist | HTML |
| Keep cool at home checklist, easy read | PDF, 1.77 MB, 7 pages |
| Keep cool at home checklist, BSL video | Video |
| Beat the heat poster | PDF, 364 KB, 1 page |
| Beat the heat poster, BSL video | Video |
Source: GOV.UK publication page1.
The page carries a note that the PDF files may not be suitable for users of assistive technology, and gives an email address, publications@ukhsa.gov.uk, for requesting an accessible format1.
The page has been revised several times since first publication. On 13 March 2024 easy-read versions and translations of the guidance and sign-language videos of the checklist, the staying safe guidance and the poster were added1. On 8 July 2025 pregnant women were added to those at higher risk1. On 30 April 2026 updated easy reads, British Sign Language videos and translations were added1. On 20 May 2026 the guidance was updated "based on new evidence on peak times for temperature and UV"1. On 21 July 2026 new translations to "Staying safe in hot weather" were added1. The page gives its last update as 21 July 20261.
"These documents provide information on who is at greatest risk of ill health from the heat, how to recognise when health may be affected by heat, and what to do if you or someone else becomes unwell as a result of the heat."
Why it matters for households
The guidance is aimed at the public in England and covers the household side of hot weather: keeping a home cool, recognising when heat is affecting health, and what to do if someone becomes unwell1. Because it is published in easy-read PDFs, translations and British Sign Language videos, it is available in formats intended for people who do not read standard guidance easily, including people who are deaf and use BSL1. The 2025 update added pregnant women to the groups listed as at higher risk1. The wider collection it belongs to covers minimising the health effects of adverse weather and community resilience1. The site's heatwaves and drought hub and its page on the Adverse Weather and Health Plan cover the related arrangements.
What happens next
No further update dates are given beyond the 21 July 2026 revision recorded on the page1.
