Boomers are IGNORING heat health alerts, scientists warn

Heat health alerts warn people in the UK about forecast extreme temperatures. A survey of more than 1,000 people found that 30% do not notice alerts after they are issued and 41% do not take action. Exposure to warnings was especially low among older adults, lower-income households, and people with lower education levels. Alerts are commonly communicated through social media, online news, and weather apps, which can disadvantage people with lower digital connectivity. Older adults are also among the most vulnerable to extreme heat. Alerts are issued by the UK Health Security Agency and the Met Office using color levels from yellow to red, varying by region. Many heatwave deaths occur during lower-level alert periods when risks may be less recognized.

"Researchers from the University of East London surveyed more than 1,000 Brits about their exposure and response to heat health alerts. The results revealed that 30 per cent of Brits don't see alerts after they're issued, while 41 per cent fail to take action. Exposure to warnings was particularly low among older adults, lower-income households and people with lower levels of education."

"These heat-health alerts are typically communicated through social media, online news coverage and weather apps, yet older people are among the least digitally connected. 'They are also among the most vulnerable to extreme heat.'"

"These alerts are designed to help reduce demands on the health and social care systems and to encourage people to take precautions during periods of dangerous heat. 'While yellow alerts represent the lowest level of warning, with amber and red indicating increasing severity, many heatwave deaths occur during these lower-level alert periods, when people may be less likely to recognise the risks or take protective action.'"

"The UK Health Security Agency and Met Office issue heat health alerts when there's particularly hot weather forecast. The alerts range from yellow (least severe) to red (most severe), and can vary across different areas. For example, a yellow alert was issued for the north-east, north-west, south-west, and Yorkshire and the Humber regions last week, while an amber alert was issued at the same time in the West Midlands, East Midlands, east of England, south-east, and London."

Read at Mail Online