1 week Ago
The alert was put into force today (November 18) at 10am and will remain active until November 23 at 6pm. According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), the alert is due to the forecasted weather causing impacts on health and social care services. The UKHSA has warned that the cold weather could lead to a rise in deaths, particularly among the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions.
There is also a possibility of increased demand for health services and struggles to maintain indoor temperatures at the recommended 18 degrees Celsius, which poses a greater risk to vulnerable people. The alert also warns of potential staffing issues due to external factors, such as travel delays, as well as impacts on other sectors like transport and energy. A spokesperson for the UKHSA said: "Cold weather can have a serious impact on health, particularly for vulnerable groups.
"While it is important to be aware of the risks, there are a number of steps you can take to stay well. "Make sure you have enough food and medication, and keep your home warm." The UKHSA has issued guidance for professionals who have a duty to respond to the alerts.
This includes action cards for health and social care providers, commissioners, and the voluntary and community sector. People are also being advised to take precautions to protect themselves from the cold weather. The UKHSA has published guidance on staying safe during cold weather, particularly for those who are more at risk.
This includes keeping homes warm, wearing suitable clothing, and taking care when travelling. The Met Office may issue National Severe Weather Warnings, such as for snow and ice, at short notice. People can check the Met Office website for the current National Severe Weather Warnings and for the latest weather forecast.
The cold health alerts in England are managed by the UKHSA in partnership with the Met Office, and run from November 1 until March 31 each year. These alerts are issued when low temperatures are forecasted to occur. If low temperatures are observed outside of this period, an extraordinary cold health alert will be issued.
The public is advised to take the usual public health actions when this happens. As the cold weather sets in, people are reminded to check on vulnerable family members, friends, and neighbours..
