Heatwave red alert system to save lives

NEW “red alerts” will be issued if a potentially life-threatening heatwave is about to sweep across the nation.

The UK Health Security Agency, working with the Met Office, launches the Heat-Health Alerting service today.

It will ping those registered to receive warnings in time for them to act. The alerts will also appear on a new website.

Dr Agostinho Sousa, of the UKHSA, said: “Our heat-health alerting system plays a vital role in notifying professionals and the public of forecasted high temperatures that can affect the health of those most at risk.

Deaths

“That’s particularly individuals over the age of 65 and those with pre-existing health conditions.

“Last year saw record high temperatures across England and evidence shows that heatwaves are likely to occur more often, be more intense and last longer in the years and decades ahead.

“It is important we are able to quantify the likely impacts of these heat waves before they arrive to prevent illness and reduce the number of deaths.” The alerts will be yellow, amber or red. Yellow will apply when heat could impact those who are particularly vulnerable, while a red alert indicates significant risk to life for all.

Last July, temperatures in the UK reached a record 104F (40C), sparking wildfires and droughts. The extreme heat also disrupted transport networks and put the NHS under huge strain.

Worryingly, there were 2,803 excess deaths alone recorded among those aged 65 years and over.

The British Red Cross, the Climate Action Network and the London School of Economics have called on the Government to upgrade its heatwave policies and guidance.

Ellie Murtagh, of the Red Cross UK, said: “We need to be ready for future heatwaves, and this means advanced planning, preparation and early action with a joined-up approach.”