A survival guide to help England cope with a heatwave was issued by the Department of Health yesterday after long-range forecasts from the Met Office indicated above-average temperatures this July and August.

Sir Liam Donaldson, the chief medical officer, published contingency plans to avoid a repeat of August 2003 when more than 2,000 deaths were attributed to the heatwave, mainly among people over 75.

A record high of 38.5C (101F) was recorded in Brogdale, Kent, on August 10 2003. Over a 10-day period, the number of deaths was 17% above average across England, rising to 42% above average in London.

Sir Liam said: "As the experience in 2003 demonstrated, it is particularly important that for those over 75, especially those who live alone or in residential homes, the necessary precautions are taken to avoid serious harm through heat exhaustion and heatstroke."

The contingency plan will include monitoring of calls to NHS Direct and consultations with GPs to establish the volume of heat-related illness. This information will trigger one of four levels of alert for the NHS and other public bodies.

Sir Liam published Heatwave - A Guide to Looking After Yourself, including advice such as:

· Plan your day so you can stay out of the heat; avoid going out in the hottest part of the day, 11am to 3pm.

· If you must go out, stay in the shade. Wear a hat and light, loose-fitting clothes, preferably cotton. Take plenty of water with you.

· Take cool showers or baths and splash yourself several times a day with cold water, particularly your face and the back of your neck. Try to eat more cold food, particularly salads and fruit.

· Look after older people. They are much more prone to the effects of heat.