Why Are More Countries Introducing Heatwave Action Plans? 8 New Policies Explained

Increasingly common and increasingly intense heatwave conditions has resulted in governments across the globe undertaking Heatwave Action Plans (HAP) as a means to protect people from exposure to severe temperatures. In general, HAPs consist of early forecasts of the weather, public health intervention programs, emergency response programs and long-range climate adaptation programs with the goal of reducing heat-related morbidity and mortality.

1. Early Heat Warning Systems

In many countries across the globe heat alerts are issued several days prior to extreme heat events this helps citizens prepare by doing things such as limiting their time outdoors staying well hydrated, and taking additional safety precautions when the temperatures are at their peak.

2. Cooling Centers

Many local governments have created air-conditioned community centers, libraries, schools and other public facilities that serve as cooling stations to provide people with a safe place to escape from the extreme heat, particularly during long running heat events.

3. Public Health Campaigns

Governments use traditional and new media (television, radio, social media and mobile) to create health promotion campaigns that educate citizens on how to recognize the signs of heat exhaustion and heat related illnesses, the importance of hydration, and what steps they should be taking to protect themselves from the heat.

4. Changes to School and Work Schedules

To decrease the exposure of children and adults to extreme heat it has become increasingly common practice in many regions to modify school starting times, offer flexible working hours, and limit outdoor labour during peak heating hours of the day.

5. Urban Greening Projects

Cities are taking action to improve the local climate by creating more greenspace (i.e., trees, parks, local green spaces) in order to mitigate the Urban Heat Island Effect and provide a more hospitable living environment.

6. Better Emergency Medical Response

With the anticipated increase in heat related illnesses hospitals and emergency medical services are preparing to care for patients suffering from heat-related illnesses by adding medical personnel, emergency supplies and ensuring ambulances are ready during heat waves. 

7. Stronger Building Standards

Some countries have made updates to building code to promote energy efficient designs, cool roofs, increased insulation and improved ventilation therefore keeping the temperature inside homes cooler when the outside air is excessively hot.

8. Water Conservation Measures

During prolonged heatwaves, local authorities may promote water-saving practices and improve drinking water access in public places to reduce the risk of dehydration.

Conclusion

Around the globe, heat waves are increasingly viewed as one of the top climate-related threats. Governments are providing improved public safety through heat wave action plans. These plans involve better alert systems, cooler locations for people to go to during heat waves, more and higher quality medical services, expanded vegetation in cities, and stronger infrastructure.

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