Heat health guidance for professionals

Heat alert levels

• Green (summer 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 heat is unlikely to impact most people; however, those who are particularly vulnerable (e.g. the elderly with multiple health conditions and on multiple medications) 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 hot 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:

• Preparing for a period of hot weather when supporting children and young people, which should be done before 1 June each year
• During a yellow, amber, red heat-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:

• Preparing for a period of hot weather in healthcare, which should be done before 1 June each year
• During a yellow, amber, red heat-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:

• Preparing for a period of hot weather, which should be done before 1 June each year
• During a yellow, amber, red heat-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:

• Preparing for a period of hot weather in social care, which should be done before 1 June each year
• During a yellow, amber, red heat-health alert in social care