Objective

Improve the public health response to extreme temperature and heatwaves.

Description

The steps to build a heat health action plan are:

1. collaboration among bodies and institutions and identification of a lead body to coordinate responses;
2. availability of accurate and timely alert systems;
3. heat-related health information developed in advance;
4. avoidance or reduction of heat exposure;
5. care for vulnerable population groups;
6. provision of health care, social services and infrastructure;
7. real-time health surveillance incorporated into the planning process;
8. monitoring and evaluation components and criteria.

Expected results

To adopt prevention measures against the health effects of hot weather through the design of public health strategies and plans.

Result indicators

Alert and prevention

Involved actors

Multi-agency and inter-sectoral actors: regional and local institutions. Involvement of population.

Expected timeline for action

• Short term (1-4 years)

Best practices

• Kassel - Germany
• Macedonia
• Portugal
• UK
• Austria
• Italy

Criticalities

If the information is well communicated, it does not necessary imply that the most vulnerable groups of society (elderly people, small children, people with current health problems, etc.) are reached and can act upon the information provided. Some additional efforts can be needed in terms of implementing suggested actions, which implies other financial efforts making it harder to implement in the short-term.

Scope of the action

• Adaptation

Type of proposed actions

• Soft

Sector of action

• Public health
• Other

Climate impacts

• Extreme temperatures

Implementation scale

• Municipality
• Region / Country

Source

https://climate-adapt.eea.europa.eu/help/share-your-info/adaptation-options/heat-health-action-plans