Health services urged to ‘be prepared’ as red heat-health alert issued

A red heat-health alert has been issued by the government, warning that severe heatwaves due this week pose a risk to life, ‘even for the healthy population’.

Health and social care services are being urged to ‘ensure they are prepared’ for incoming heatwaves this week and guidance has been issued on ‘staying safe’ in the heat.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has today (22 June) issued a red alert for six regions in England including the West Midlands, East Midlands, South East, South West, London, and East of England.

This is only the second time a red alert has been issued – with the first being in July 2022 – and will be in place from 1am on Wednesday 24 June until 11pm on Thursday 25 June.

According to the UKHSA, the alert indicates that a severe heatwave could have impacts ‘beyond health and social care’ with potential effects on transport systems, food, water, energy supplies and businesses, and indicates a risk to life for ‘even the healthy population’.

Guidance has been issued on staying safe (see box below) including keeping homes cool by closing windows, drinking fluids, and avoiding direct sunlight.

The UKHSA states it is working closely with the Met Office, the NHS and other government departments to assess the impacts of this hot weather.

An amber alert has also been issued for the North West, North East, and Yorkshire and the Humber for the same period.

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UKHSA’s head of extreme event and health protection Dr Agostinho Sousa said: ‘Very hot weather is forecast across large parts of England in the coming days and we are urging health and social care services across the country to ensure they are prepared.

‘It is vitally important that people understand the risk posed by high temperatures like these, and take steps to keep themselves and their friends, families and neighbours safe.

‘A red heat health alert indicates a risk to life for even the healthy population, but simple actions like staying hydrated, avoiding the sun during the hottest part of the day, and keeping your home cool can make a big difference.

‘It’s also important to look out for others, especially elderly relatives, neighbours, and those with underlying health conditions, to make sure they are aware of the forecast and following the necessary advice.’

UKHSA guidance on staying safe in hot weather:

keeping your home cool by closing windows and curtains in rooms that face the sun
look out for those who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated – older people, those with underlying conditions and those who live alone are particularly at risk
stay cool indoors by closing curtains on rooms that face the sun – and remember that it may be cooler outdoors than indoors
drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol
never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals
check that fridges, freezers and fans are working properly
try to avoid direct sunlight, especially between 11am and 3pm when UV levels are highest – if you do go outside, cover up with suitable clothing, such as an appropriate hat and sunglasses, and seek shade and apply sunscreen regularly
walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat, if you have to go out in the heat
avoid physical exertion in the hottest parts of the day
make sure you take water with you if you are travelling
take care and make sure to follow local safety advice if you are going into the water to cool down
check medicines can be stored according to the instructions on the packaging
if you are going to do a physical activity (for example, exercising or walking the dog), plan to do these during times of the day when it is cooler, such as the morning or evening – also check weather forecasts to see when it will be cooler

Health services urged to ‘be prepared’ as red heat-health alert issued

UKHSA guidance on staying safe in hot weather:

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