Nottingham charity wants help for homeless when it's hot, not just when temperatures drop
The East Midlands is facing an amber heat-health alert
A charity supporting rough sleepers in Nottingham is urging the public to help the homeless when it is hot, not just when temperatures drop.
It comes as the East Midlands is facing an amber heat-health alert.
What is a 'heat-health alert'?
The alert, issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) for the first time since September 2023, is in force until 9am on Monday.
It warns "significant impacts are likely" across health and social care services because of high temperatures, including a rise in deaths.
In particular among those aged 65 and over or people with health conditions.
How can hot weather be dangerous for the homeless?
Denis Tully is CEO at charity Emmanuel House, who support the homeless in Nottingham. He explained to us why the hot weather can be dangerous for people sleeping rough:
"The homeless tend to carry all their clothes with them, some people wear all of their clothes. That might be three jumpers at a time, which is obviously inadvisable in these temperatures.
"We will bring water out for the homeless and encourage them to keep out of the sun. We try and get them to eat at least two meals a day," he said.
"The full glare of the sun and intense heat creates risks"
Dennis agreed there should be an emergency protocol for hot weather as well as cold weather.
Currently, the government's Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) comes into play when temperatures drop below zero.
But Denis said warm weather also comes with dangers: "It is worse in the day, the full glare of the sun and intense heat creates risks."
"Take sensible precautions while enjoying the sun"
Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at the UKHSA, said: "Our findings show that heat can result in serious health outcomes across the population, especially for older adults or those with pre-existing health conditions.
"It is therefore important to check on friends, family and neighbours who are more vulnerable and to take sensible precautions while enjoying the sun.
"The forecasted high temperatures may also lead to an increasing demand for remote healthcare services and an impact on the ability of services delivered due to heat effects on the workforce."
UV and pollen levels are also expected to climb alongside temperatures.