More must be done to help people understand the risks of heatwaves, warns British Red Cross

• Last week, Wales recorded its hottest day of the year after the Met Office issued its first ever extreme heat warning for the UK, shining a spotlight on the dangers of rising temperatures.  
• 75+ year olds are particularly unaware of their risk level according to new research, with over half (57 per cent) saying they do not consider themselves as vulnerable to the impact of heatwaves, despite being at significantly higher risk.
• 40 per cent say they have never seen information on how to protect themselves during a heatwave.
• British Red Cross wants to help people prepare and protect themselves and others from the rising risks of heatwaves in the UK.

Following a four-day extreme heat warning in Wales last week, the British Red Cross has warned today that there is a dangerous lack of public awareness of the risks of heatwaves and calls for greater access to information and support for people most vulnerable to heat risk. 

Former TV weather presenter Siân Lloyd has joined the charity’s call for greater awareness and understanding of the risks associated with rising temperatures: “The UK is getting hotter. As a result of climate change, heatwaves are becoming longer and more extreme, and many people’s health and wellbeing will continue to suffer as a result.

“We already know that certain groups are more at risk from extreme heat, including people aged over 75, adults with underlying health conditions, children and babies, as well as people living in top floor flats and in built-up urban areas where temperatures are higher.

“It is so important that we tackle the gap that exists in the public’s understanding of the risks that heatwaves can bring, improving awareness of heat risk among the general public and also ensuring that advice and support reaches the most vulnerable ahead of a heatwave.” 

The findings come in a new Red Cross report – Feeling The Heat – which looks at how prepared the UK public is for rising temperatures and how aware people are of the risks of heatwaves.

Today the impacts of climate change in the UK are already being seen, with the average length of warm spells having more than doubled in length in the last few decades. By 2050, the UK will be 50 per cent more likely to experience hot summers, and heat-related deaths could more than triple to around 7,000 per year.

The research found that currently, the reality of the risks heatwaves can cause are not matched by the level of public concern. The public can be seen to have a positive perception of the word ‘heatwave’, seen as bringing good weather, with over a quarter of the UK thinking that heatwaves are a good thing with more than a third (37 per cent) believing that heatwaves will be a problem in the future, not now.

Lee Brooks, Director of Operations for the Welsh Ambulance Service, said: “With the holiday season now well underway and many people choosing to holiday at home this year, we are seeing a large increase in the population we have to care for as people flock to our beautiful beaches and mountains.“We have well-rehearsed plans in place to manage this additional demand, but the public has a role to play too.

“We’re asking people to take extra care in the heat over the summer to protect our ambulance service for those who need it most – you never know when that could be you or your loved one.”

The British Red Cross research highlighted that many high-risk groups in the UK, particularly those over 75, don’t perceive themselves as personally vulnerable to the effects of heatwaves. This can mean people don’t take early action to protect themselves in a heatwave despite hearing warnings.

Concerningly, three in ten (29 per cent) of those who are expecting a child or who have a child under three say they don’t know how to protect themselves during a heatwave, despite being at higher risk. Overall, one in five (22 per cent) people do not know where they can access information about how to protect themselves during a heatwave. 

Matthew Killick, Director of Crisis Response and Community Resilience, British Red Cross, said: 

“Despite what many think, UK heatwaves can impact us all. We are seeing more people affected by extreme weather in Wales. Every year people struggle with their health and wellbeing as a result, health and care services see an increase in demand, transport is interrupted, employers experience reduced productivity, and they can even be life threatening.  

“But heatwaves don’t need to be deadly.  From checking on your neighbours to providing first aid, simple early actions can keep you, your family and friends safe and well during hot weather.

“We are calling on all UK governments to ensure people most vulnerable to heat risk are able to access the targeted information, advice and support they need to take action and stay safe and healthy.”

This access to advice and education is crucial with 40 per cent of the UK public having never seen information on how to protect themselves during a heatwave, rising to almost half of people 75+ (47 per cent).

Here are some of the actions you can take to keep safe before and during heatwaves:

Before a heatwave: 

• Keep Informed, Stay alert. Know who is at risk, listen for weather warning alerts, be prepared learn what to do in a heatwave – ensure you have your medication

During a heatwave: 

• Stay cool, keep well. Drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol, limit strenuous physical activity, if you get hot take a cold bath or shower, wear light-weight loose-fitting clothes.

• Keep your home cooler. It’s so important to know how to keep your home cool in hot weather in order to stay safe and well. You can do this by covering windows exposed to sunlight, opening windows when the air feels cooler outside and checking central heating is off. It may be cooler outside in the shade or in a public building.
• Watch out and take action. Look out for neighbours, friends and family, if you’re an at-risk group stay aware of how you’re feeling, Get help – call NHS 111 or 999 in an emergency.
• Learn First Aid to protect yourself and others from heat. Hotter UK summers mean increased risk of heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Learn how to keep yourself and others well in hot weather with @BritishRedCross resources to help you learn first aid which can save lives. Download the British Red Cross’s First Aid app, visit: https://www.redcross.org.uk/first-aid/first-aid-apps