The ‘Beat the Heat’ campaign launched by the Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Directorate (HPDP), aims to raise awareness about the health risks associated with heatwaves, and provides practical advice for people to stay safe during the hot summer months.

A heatwave is defined as three or more consecutive days during which daytime temperatures exceed the monthly average by at least 5°C. Higher temperatures increase the risk of heat-related illnesses, affecting both physical and mental health.

The campaign promotes key messages to reduce the impact of hot weather. These include:

1. Avoid going outside during peak heat hours (around 11:00 to 16:00).
   
2. Wear lightweight, light-coloured clothing, wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses and sunblock when outside.
   
3. Take cool showers/baths, use cold packs, wet towels, sponging or foot baths to cool down.
   
4. Stay hydrated – drinking water regularly and avoiding alcohol, caffeinated beverages and sugary drinks.
5. Eat small, frequent meals and choose foods with high water content, such fruits and vegetables (e.g. watermelon, cucumber).
6. Aim for room temperatures below 32°C during the day and 24°C during the night.
   
7. Avoid strenuous physical activity during peak heat hours.
   
8. Recognise the signs of heat stroke – high temperature, confusion, dizziness, and unconsciousness. Call 112, move the person to a cooler area, cool with water or ice, and loosen clothing until help arrives.

Guidance is provided for vulnerable groups, including children, elderly, people with chronic conditions, outdoor workers, and pets. Extra precautions to protect these groups from heat-related harm are highlighted throughout the campaign. 

A range of educational materials including information booklets, FAQs and posters are available online in both English and Maltese. These can be accessed from the HPDP Beat the Heat webpage https://hpdp.gov.mt/beattheheat.