Public Health colleagues at Hertfordshire County Council have recorded a Hot Weather Management webinar to support adult social care providers in responding to rising temperatures and heatwave conditions.
The session highlights the significant risks extreme heat poses to people receiving care and to staff, particularly for those who are older, living with long-term conditions, or experiencing reduced mobility.
Providers are encouraged to review the latest national guidance, including Heat-Health Alerts and action cards, and ensure their teams are confident in recognising symptoms such as dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke, and know how to respond appropriately.
Key actions include:
- monitoring indoor temperatures,
- prioritising hydration,
- identifying those most at risk,
- adapting care practices to keep people and environments cool.
Supporting staff wellbeing during periods of high temperatures is also essential to maintain safe, high-quality care.
Ensure you maintain the welfare of your staff working in the community during this heat. Let them know there is a list of Community Spaces where they can keep cool while on the road. Details can be found here: Community Spaces | Hertfordshire County Council.
Please ensure you review all actions outlined within the Heat-Health Alert action cards and take time to share accessible resources with staff and those you support, including the ‘Beat the Heat’ easy read guidance, to ensure everyone understands how to stay safe during hot weather.