Heatwave Plan
Responding to Government Heatwave Alerts - Advice and guidance for social care providers regarding heatwaves
A Heat-Health Watch system operates in England and Wales from 1 June to 15 September each year.
Introduction
Extreme Heat is dangerous to everyone. During a heatwave, when temperatures remain abnormally high for more than a couple of days (threshold temperatures being 30 degrees during the day and 15 degrees at night) it can prove fatal, particularly amongst those groups of people deemed to be ‘at-risk’.
- Older people.
- Babies and young children.
- People with mental health problems.
- People on certain medication.
- People with a serious chronic condition, particularly breathing or heart problems.
- People who already have a high temperature from an infection.
- People who abuse alcohol or drugs.
- People with mobility problems.
- People who are physically very active.
Heat exhaustion, when not treated, can develop into heatstroke. Heatstroke can occur suddenly and without warning and, in its worst form, can result in organ failure, brain damage or death.
This guidance details the Alert Procedures and Key actions to be undertaken. There is also some general information about extreme heat aimed at service users.
Detailed Guidance
Page Last Updated: 9 September 2011
