What to do if…
your cooling system fails during extreme heat and the indoor temperature is rising

What to do now

1. Check who needs priority help.
   Move higher-risk people first: babies and young children, older adults, pregnant people, people with heart, breathing, kidney, diabetes, serious mental health or mobility problems, and anyone taking medicines that affect hydration or temperature regulation.

2. Choose one cool room.
   Pick the coolest shaded room, often a north-facing room or the lowest level. Move water, medicines, chargers, a phone, light bedding, and pet water there so people do not need to keep moving around.

3. Stop more heat coming in.
   Close curtains, blinds, shutters, or temporary coverings on windows in direct sun. Turn off unused lights, heated appliances, games consoles, computers, and other equipment giving off heat.

4. Use windows only when they help.
   If the air outside feels cooler than inside, usually late evening, overnight, or early morning, open windows if it is safe and try to create a through-draft. If it feels hotter outside, keep sunny-side windows and coverings closed.

5. Use fans carefully.
   If the indoor temperature is below 35°C, a fan may help comfort and air movement. If the room is 35°C or higher, use water-based cooling instead and prioritise getting people to a cooler place.

6. Cool people directly.
   Sip cool drinks regularly unless a clinician has told you to restrict fluids. Use cool showers, a damp cloth, a spray bottle, or cool packs wrapped in cloth on the neck, armpits, or wrists. Remove unnecessary layers.

7. Move pets to shade and water.
   Put pets in the coolest shaded area, give them fresh water, and avoid exercise or travel in the heat. If a pet seems distressed, weak, heavily panting, confused, or unable to settle, contact a vet.

8. Set a simple leaving threshold.
   If the room keeps getting hotter, someone is vulnerable, or symptoms are starting, go to a cooler place if you can: a friend or family member’s home, a library, a supermarket, a place of worship, or another public building.

9. Report the cooling failure without getting stuck in an argument.
   If you rent, tell your landlord or agent in writing that the cooling system has failed during extreme heat, the indoor temperature is rising, and whether anyone vulnerable is affected. Ask what temporary measures or repair arrangements are available, and check your tenancy agreement if the cooling system was supplied with the home.

10. Arrange repair help if it is your responsibility.
    If you own the system or are responsible for it, contact home emergency cover, your insurer if relevant, or a qualified air-conditioning or cooling repair service. Ask about temporary safe cooling options while waiting.

11. Get medical help when needed.
    Call 999 if someone may have heatstroke, with signs such as confusion, collapse, seizure, hot skin that is not sweating, fast breathing, or not improving after about 30 minutes of cooling. Use NHS 111 online or call 111 if symptoms are worrying, worsening, or you are unsure and it is not an emergency.