It is introduced when “a very severe heat wave that will last for a long time and will also affect transport, food, water, energy supplies, businesses and health and social care services”.
Does this mean deaths are expected?
Yes, and not only among the vulnerable. The plan, published by the UK’s Health Security Agency and the NHS, says that at level 4 “illness and death can occur among people who are fit and healthy, and not just in high-risk groups”.
What else are they worried about?
Melting roads could cause congestion and leave people stranded in cars. The rails could bend. Extreme heat on the London Underground could call for bottled water. The increasing demand for electricity as people use air conditioning and fans at the same time as heat reduces the power carrying capacity of the system because it is harder to cool the conductors. Water shortages are a fear, but if the water supply is lost, companies are required to provide no less than 10 liters per person per day, with particular attention to the needs of vulnerable people, hospitals and schools.
What about the environment?
Smog and deteriorating air quality, toxic algae blooms in the water and the increasing risk of wildfires are among the concerns. Farm animals and those in markets and slaughterhouses will need more ventilation and animal transport may be reduced. More pets could die if irresponsible owners leave them in confined accommodation with poor ventilation.
What changes in response?
Level 4 means the weather requires a “multisectoral response at national and regional levels.” The decision to move to level 4 is made at national level and is made following an intergovernmental assessment of weather conditions, coordinated by the Civil Emergencies Secretariat in the Cabinet Office. A lead government department will be appointed – most likely the Department of Health and Social Care. Under the plan, actions for health and social care providers are the same as those at alert level 3, which has been in place for several days. These include visiting or calling people in high-risk categories, issuing public health messages, checking temperatures in wards and nursing homes, turning off unnecessary lights and equipment, and drawing blinds and curtains. Community groups are being asked to “check those you know are at risk” and “activate the community emergency plan”.
Which people are at high risk?
The heat wave plan is sometimes clumsily drafted, but this is what it says about high-risk groups in the community: “Over 75, female, living alone and isolated, serious physical or mental illness. urban areas, south facing upstairs. alcohol and/or drug dependence, homelessness, babies and young children, multiple medications and overexertion’. And in care homes and hospitals, those most at risk are described as: “over 75, women, frail, serious physical or mental illness. multiple medications; babies and young children’.
What is the government’s message to the world?
It says: “Stay out of the sun. Keep your home as cool as possible – shading windows and closing them during the day can help. Open them when it’s cooler at night. Keep drinking fluids. If there is someone you know, for example an elderly person living alone, who may be at particular risk, make sure they know what to do.”
