There is a red Met Office warning in place for extreme heat from Sunday 17 July to Tuesday 19 July with temperatures set to be in excess of 35 degrees in parts of the country.

Line managers should assess the situation and allow staff to work from home where there is no significant operational impact. Further advice in severe weather conditions can be found on the HR website.

In the meantime, please enjoy the weather safely and bear the following advice in mind to take care of yourself and those around you during this extreme weather:

• Check on older people or sick neighbours, family or friends every day during the hot weather
• Stay hydrated, drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol
• If you need to travel, ensure you take water with you and never leave children or animals in parked vehicles
• Avoid extreme physical exertion. If you can’t avoid strenuous outdoor activity, prioritise cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or evening.

Keeping cool

Keep your home as cool as possible, especially if you are working from home during the day. Make sure you shade or cover windows exposed to direct sunlight. Keep windows in direct sunlight closed during the day and open at night if it feels cooler outside. Turn off non-essential lights and electrical equipment as they generate heat and during the hottest part of the day find cool or shaded parts of your home or garden.

Try to keep out of the sun between 11am and 3pm when UV radiation is strongest. Wear sunscreen and loose-fitting cotton clothes to reduce the risk of sunburn and regulate your body temperature.

If you are on campus, most of our libraries provide air cooling and access to fresh cold water. For the most up to date information, including any chances to services, please visit the Libraries website.

Look out for signs of heat-related harm

• If you feel dizzy, weak or have intense thirst and a headache, move to a cool place as soon as possible and drink some water to rehydrate
• If you have painful muscular spasms (particularly in the legs, arms, or abdomen), rest immediately in a cool place and drink electrolyte drinks. Most people should start to recover within 30 mins and if not, you should seek medical help. Call 111 if you feel unusual symptoms, or if symptoms persist.
• Call 999 if a person develops any signs of heatstroke as this is a medical emergency. Read NHS advice on heatstroke and heat-related illness.