Heat-Health alert – be prepared!

by | 08/07/2026 | News, weather

Heat-Health Alerts are issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and Met Office when high temperatures are forecast that could impact health and social care services. Hot weather can pose serious health risks, particularly for older adults, people with underlying health conditions, individuals receiving care and support, and those who are socially isolated. Providers are encouraged to monitor alerts and ensure appropriate measures are in place to keep people safe during periods of extreme heat.

What you need to do now

All organisations should read the Adverse Weather and Health Plan. This is important if you provide health and social care. The plan explains what you should do before and while a heat health alert is in place.

Please review the Weather Health Alert System user guidance to explain how you can use the information contained within the alerts to respond to the forecast weather.

All providers should review the hot weather guidance and ensure that every action within the relevant action cards has been fully completed.

Please share this Easy Read ‘Beat the Heat guide’ with staff members, individuals you support and their families. 

IMPORTANT! Homecare Providers

Homecare providers can share this information with the people that they support and their family.

In the hot weather, there are several quick and easy steps that we can all take to reduce heat in the home:

  1. If possible, shade or cover windows (e.g. close blinds or curtains).
  2. Open windows (when it is safe to do so) when the air feels cooler outside, for example at night, and try to get air flowing through the home.
  3. Use electric fans if the air temperature is below 35°C, but do not aim the fan directly at your body as this can lead to dehydration.
  4. Check that your heating is turned off.
  5. Check that fridges and freezers are working properly
  6. To reduce heat generated in the home, turn off lights and electrical equipment that are not in use and consider cooking at cooler times of the day.
  7. Move to a cooler part of the house, especially for sleeping if possible.
  8. It may be cooler outside in the shade or in a public building (such as places of worship, local libraries, or supermarkets) so consider a visit as a way of cooling down if you are able to safely travel there without putting yourself at more risk from the heat.

For more information please click here.

IMPORTANT! Care Home Providers

  • Access to management support: there have been some instances where staff are having to make finely balanced decisions without the right level of management input. Please ensure support is available when needed.
  • Medication temperatures: it is recognised that this is a challenges during hot weather, however it remains critical that all medications are stored within the correct temperature ranges.

Being creative in managing heat: where usual environments are too warm, please consider alternatives. For example, if some rooms are cooler than others, look at how people can be safely supported to spend time in those areas.

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