Severe Weather Warning.
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Severe Weather Warning.

A Red Heat-Health Alert has been issued across southern England until 25 June. This is the highest level of alert and indicates a risk to everyone's health, not just vulnerable groups. It also poses a significant risk to vulnerable residents, infrastructure, and the delivery of some of our services.

This alert is currently in effect from 1am on 24 June until 11pm on 25 June. Although it is possible that this could extend into the weekend. This is a rare alert — the last one was in 2022. This one is particularly more dangerous to people because of the higher humidity levels.

How can you help?

We would be really grateful if you could share our messaging with your local communities both on social media and through your own communication channels. This includes:

  • general advice on how to keep cool and safe.
  • keeping an eye on vulnerable friends, family and neighbours.
  • information about our Severe Weather Escalation Protocol for those who are homeless or sleeping rough.
  • advising residents to place their bins out the day before their waste and recycling collections are due.
  • sharing our media release which you will receive shortly.

Taking care of yourself

  • Try and avoid going out in the hottest part of the day (11am–3pm).
  • Stay in shaded or cooler places where possible.
  • Keep your home cool by closing curtains/blinds on sun-facing windows.
  • Drink plenty of fluids regularly.
  • Avoid drinking excess caffeine.
  • Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat.
  • Know the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke and what to do if you or someone else has them.

Advice for residents

Waste and Recycling Collections

With temperatures rising significantly this week, our crews will be starting collections a little earlier in the morning to avoid working in the hottest part of the day. We are asking residents to help us, by putting their bins out the night before their scheduled collection day and to help spread the word to friends, family and neighbours too. We really appreciate people’s support and understanding because it helps to keep our teams safe while keeping services running smoothly.

Support for those who are homeless or rough sleeping

Due to the extremely high temperatures predicted over the next few days, we will be putting in place our Severe Weather Escalation Protocol (SWEP) Wednesday and Thursday 24 and 25 June. SWEP is part of a package of ongoing support that is available to those who are homeless or rough sleeping throughout the year. SWEP offers additional support during severe weather to respond to the heightened risk for rough sleepers during this time. Our outreach team works in partnership with local services and charities including Stonepillow, and they are out every day offering support. They will continue to be out and about making sure that rough sleepers are aware of the SWEP provision as well as the ongoing support that is available to them.

To access emergency support, rough sleepers should contact Stonepillow in St Cyriacs, Chichester. Anyone that needs to access the service outside of these hours can contact the out of hours team on 01243 785339.

Please pass this message on to anyone who may need it. Anyone who is concerned about someone who is rough sleeping should report it by the Streetlink app at: StreetLink - Connecting people sleeping rough to local services, which will be sent directly to our outreach services.

General advice

Stay Cool

  • Avoid going out in the hottest part of the day (11am–3pm).
  • Stay in shaded or cooler places where possible.
  • Keep homes cool by closing curtains/blinds on sun-facing windows.

Stay Hydrated

  • Drink plenty of fluids regularly.
  • Avoid drinking excess caffeine.

Reduce Physical Strain

  • Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat.
  • Plan activities for early morning or evening.

Look After Others

  • Check on:
    • older people.
    • those with underlying health conditions.
    • people living alone.
  • Ensure they are cool, hydrated, and aware of the risks.

Safety-Critical Advice

  • Never leave children, vulnerable people, or animals in vehicles.
  • Watch for signs of heat-related illness (e.g. heat exhaustion, heatstroke).
  • Seek medical help if symptoms worsen.
  • Make sure you wear suncream when out and about.
  • Know the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke and what to do if you or someone else has them.

Find out more advice at: Beat the heat: staying safe in hot weather - GOV.UK

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