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15/07/2022
The Met Office have today issued a further update to their recent Heatwave and Hot Weather Guidance Level 4 – National Emergency
Heatwave and hot weather guidance:
There is a 100 % probability of Heat-Health Alert criteria being met on Monday 18 July and on Wednesday 20 July in parts of England.
A Level 4 – National Emergency is reached when a heatwave is so severe and/or prolonged that its effects extend outside health and social care system, such as power or water shortages, and/or where the integrity of health and social care systems is threatened. At this level, illness and death may occur among the fit and healthy, and not just in high‑risk groups, and will require a multi‑sector response at national and regional levels.
The decision to go to a Level 4 is made at national level and will be taken following considerations of a cross-government assessment of the weather conditions, coordinated by the Civil Contingencies Secretariat (Cabinet Office).
Here’s the alert.
There is a 100 % probability of Heat-Health Alert criteria being met between on Monday and on Wednesday in parts of England.
Renewed hot or very hot conditions develop across the country during this coming weekend and into the new working week, peaking on Monday and Tuesday, with some exceptional temperatures possible in places. The hottest locations are likely to be in parts of central and eastern England. This alert will be kept under daily review and updated as necessary.
An update will be issued when the alert level changes in any region. Alerts are issued once a day by 0900 if required and are not subject to amendment in between standard issue times. Note that the details of the forecasted weather are valid at the time of issue but may change over the period that an alert remains in force. These details will not be updated here unless the alert level also changes, the latest forecast details can be obtained at the following link.
Interim guidance for dynamic risk assessment for COVID-19 management during extreme heat in adult social care settings and services.
Link to supporting documents:
Heatwave Plan for England
Supporting vulnerable people before and during a heatwave: for care home managers and staff - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Supporting vulnerable people before and during a heatwave: for health and social care professionals - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Looking after children and those in early years settings during heatwaves: for teachers and professionals - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Beat the heat: staying safe in hot weather - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Beat the heat: keep cool at home checklist - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Beat the Heat (publishing.service.gov.uk)
Caring for the vulnerable during and after a heatwave
Many parts of the UK are currently experiencing abnormally high temperatures. To support care professionals with keeping those they care for safe and comfortable during the hot weather, the UK Health Security Agency provides two factsheets based on the Government’s Heatwave Plan, along with recommendations from the World Health Organisation.
There is a factsheet for carers and managers in residential care homes, as well as a version for health and social care professionals.
Both factsheets contain detailed information on:
- the types of health conditions and medications that can make people more vulnerable to the effects of heat
- advice on building ventilation and the use of fans
- information about what to do in an emergency if you suspect someone is suffering from heatstroke
- more general recommendations for keeping everyone comfortable and hydrated during hot weather
Regarding PPE
Please note that staff may need to need to change their face masks more frequently than normal due to sweat and the need to take more frequent breaks to drink. This should be supported and if there are any concerns regarding stock, providers should contact the PPE Portal customer service team on 0800 876 6802.
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