Keeping safe this summer

Heat health alert for South East

The UK Health Security Agency has issued heat-health alerts across England including an amber alert for the South East from 2pm Friday 22 May until 5pm Wednesday 27 May 2026.

Stay safe

If you know or look after someone that may be susceptible to the effects of hot weather, help them stay cool and well, and please check that they are prepared for this hot spell.

Stay informed

View the full weather health alerts and follow local and national hot weather advice.

• Beat the heat with hot weather advice - GOV.UK. 
• Sign up for heat-health alerts from the Met Office.
• View regional heat-health alerts from the UK Health Security Agency.
• Learn how to prepare for extreme heat and heatwaves.
• Read more advice from us about heatwaves.
• Use the keep cool at home checklist to stay comfortable indoors.
• Spot the signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke with advice from the NHS.

• Understand the importance of hydration with guidance from the British Nutrition Foundation.
• Hydrate to feel great: simple tips for drinking more water and staying well from Sussex ICS.
• Go easy on alcohol, alternate with water or soft drinks, and try alcohol-free options with Call the Shots.
• Take water with you and use the Refill app to find free refill stations.

• Look out for friends, family, and neighbours who might struggle in the heat. Helpful advice is available from GOV.UK – Heat summary: supporting vulnerable people.
• Don't forget pets and animals. RSPCA guidance can help keep them safe.

• Stay healthy year-round with advice from West Sussex Wellbeing.
• Get information on sun safety and protecting your skin from Cancer Research UK.
• Enjoy food safely this summer with hygiene tips from the Food Standards Agency.
• Alcohol: stay in control and enjoy safely with support from the Call the Shots campaign.
• Sexual health: get free condoms, testing and information on services in West Sussex via the Sexual Health Hub.
• Make the right choice for your health needs. NHS Sussex offers advice on using local services appropriately.
• Air quality: hot weather can affect people with respiratory conditions. Check alerts in Sussex and access health guidance.
• Be tick aware: ticks are more active in warmer months, spreading Lyme disease & tick-borne encephalitis. Watch this video for more information.

There is an increased risk of fires being started outside during the summer months.

• Following the advice from West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service can help keep our communities and countryside safe from fire.
• Barbecues, especially disposable ones, pose a huge fire risk, so make sure you know how to use them safely.

• In an emergency at the coast, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. If you are deaf or have a speech impairment, send an emergency SMS.
• Know the risks at the coast and how to stay safe with advice ROSPA and West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service.
• Keep your family safe at lakes, rivers, and pools with RLSS resources for parents.
• Check the weather, sea conditions and tide times before you travel.

• Hot weather can put pressure on water supplies. See our climate action advice for tips on using less and protecting the environment.

• Travelling to visit friends or relatives abroad? Get guidance from the Migrant Health Guide – GOV.UK.
• Check what travel vaccinations you might need with NHS travel health advice.

• If you’re attending festivals this summer, always check the health and safety advice on the festival website before you travel. 
• Help protect your health before travelling, stay up-to-date with your vaccines, and take precautions to stay healthy.
• Be aware of health risks including those associated with drug and alcohol use, sexually transmitted infections, diseases such as measles and meningococcal disease, and heat-related illness.
• Know where to go to get medical advice quickly if you or a friend feel unwell, and get help immediately if you’re worried about yours or someone else’s health.

• Explore what’s on across the county. Experience Sussex has ideas on events, places to visit and things to do.