Cold weather health guidance for professionals

Cold weather alert levels 

• Green (winter preparedness): no alert will be issued as the conditions are likely to have minimal impact on health. However, during periods where the risk is minimal it is important that organisations ensure that they have plans in place and are prepared to respond should an alert (yellow, amber or red) be issued.  
• Yellow alert: the temperature is unlikely to impact most people; however, those who are particularly vulnerable (e.g. older people, very young children, and people with serious medical conditions) are likely to struggle to cope, and action within the health and social care sector is required.  
• Amber alert: there is the potential for the whole population to be at risk. The expected impacts are likely to be felt across the whole health service, and other sectors may also start to observe impacts.  
• Red alert: there is significant risk to life for even the healthy population. Several impacts are expected across all sectors.  

Actions for managers and frontline workers 

The downloadable guidance summarises the suggested actions for managers and professionals when preparing for, and responding to cold weather. 

Children and young people 

Suggested actions for managers and frontline workers supporting children and young people. It is intended for managers in schools or early years settings, and frontline staff, volunteers, parents, or carers looking after children in schools or early years settings.

These set out the actions that should be taken:

• to prepare for a period of cold weather when supporting children and young people, which should be done before 1 November each year 
• during a yellow, amber, red cold-health alert when supporting children and young people. 

Healthcare 

Suggested actions for providers of healthcare. It is intended for managers and frontline staff working in hospitals or community health services, including GP practices.

These set out the actions that should be taken:

• to prepare for a period of cold weather in healthcare, which should be done before 1 November each year 
• during a yellow, amber, red cold-health alert in healthcare. 

Supporting people experiencing homelessness 

Suggested actions for providers of services should consider. It is intended for managers and frontline workers of services supporting people experiencing homelessness.

These set out the actions that should be taken:

• to prepare for a period of cold weather, which should be done before 1 November each year 
• during a yellow, amber, red cold-health alert. 

Social care 

Suggested actions for providers of social care. It is intended for managers and frontline staff working in social care, care homes, and other residential settings.

These set out the actions that should be taken:

• to prepare for a period of cold weather in social care, which should be done before 1 November each year 
• during a yellow, amber, red heat-health alert in social care.