The Government’s Heatwave Plan for England is published annually and aims to prepare for, alert people to, and prevent, the major avoidable effects on health during periods of severe heat. It recommends a series of steps to reduce the risks to health from prolonged exposure to severe heat for councils, individuals and local communities. The plan remains unchanged for this summer although additional actions may be needed due to Covid-19.
While most of us welcome a bit of sunshine, prolonged high temperatures can be harmful to your health. Some of those who run a greater risk of serious harm from high temperatures are also at greater risk of severe illness due to Covid-19. More people may need to be spending more time at home than normal where they may not be able to escape extreme heat. In addition, the NHS and care services are already stretched due to the pandemic, so it is important to know what actions can be taken to stay safe. The resources below can help the public understand how to stay cool at home, how to keep well in high temperatures, find safe places to be and watch out for illness.
There are some specific resources available for the 2021 summer included a ‘Beat the Heat’ poster and leaflet. Councils could share these resources within their communities to allow the public to prepare for potential periods of severe heat that we might get over the summer.