The UK Health Security Agency has issued a Yellow Heat-Health Alert for the North West. The alert is in place from 9am on Wednesday 8th July until 9pm on Sunday 12th July. This may be updated or extended in the coming days.
Take a look at the Summer Readiness Toolkit and the Heat-Health Action Card for the VCFSE Sector to support your planning and response. If you are working with older residents, please also take a look at the Talking about Heat guide.
At Yellow Alert level, organisations may want to take proportionate steps to prepare and respond, including:
- checking in with people who may be more affected by heat, particularly those living alone or with limited support
- sharing clear and practical heat advice through trusted routes
- encouraging people to keep hydrated, keep homes as cool as possible, and avoid the hottest part of the day where they can
- considering whether any activities, visits or events need to be adapted
- making sure staff and volunteers know the signs of heat exhaustion and what to do if someone becomes unwell
- staying linked in with local partners and routes for sharing concerns
UKHSA advises that significant impacts are possible across health and social care services due to the high temperatures, including increased demand for services, overheating in indoor environments, impacts on the workforce, and an increased risk of water-related incidents.
You can see all weather health alerts currently in place across the North West on the UKHSA data dashboard.
📄 Full details and Action Cards / Guidance
- https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/adverse-weather-and-health-plan-heat-health-alert-action-cards
- https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/beat-the-heat-staying-safe-in-hot-weather
Below is a highlighted a selection of heatwave resources to support your planning and communications, taken from the full list available on the VCSEP's Summer Preparedness page.
- Hot weather communications toolkit (UKHSA) - This toolkit supports the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) Adverse Weather and Health Plan, providing health information that can be communicated during hot spells so that the right messages reach the right people at the right time.
- 10 things you should do now to prepare for summer (Met Office) - 10 simple steps to take to stay safe and healthy this summer, from preparing your home, to taking care of yourself, family and neighbours.
- Advice for people more likely to be at risk during a heatwave (British Red Cross) - Advice for groups that are more likely to be impacted by high temperatures and hot weather.
- Staying safe in hot weather (SCOPE) - Tips for people with disabilities can be especially important during hot weather, as higher temperatures may make certain conditions or impairments feel more challenging.
- How to help rough sleepers in hot weather (Shelter) - How professionals can support rough sleepers during hot weather, including heat-health alerts and government guidance.