What is a level 4 national emergency?
The government first published a heat wave plan for England in 2004 after a devastating pan-European heat wave in 2003, and updated it in 2012. Level 4 is the highest of the five levels. (0-4) of the “heat and health alert system.” “It is achieved when a heat wave is so severe and / or prolonged that its effects extend outside the health and social system, such as the shortage of electricity or water, and / or where it is threatened. the integrity of health and social care systems “.
It is introduced when “a very strong heat wave that will last for a considerable period of time and will also affect transportation, food, water, energy supply, business and health and social services.”
Does that mean they are expected dead?
Yes, and not just among the vulnerable. The plan, published by the UK Health Safety Agency and the NHS, states that at level 4 “illness and death can occur between fit and healthy people, and not just in high-risk groups”.
What else worries them?
Fusion of roads could cause congestion and leave people stranded in cars. The railroads could break. Extreme heat in the London Underground could require the supply of bottled water. The increase in electricity demand as people use air conditioning and fans at the same time as heat reduces the energy transport capacity of the system because it is more difficult to cool the conductors.
Water shortages are a fear, but if the supply of the network is lost, water companies are required to provide no less than 10 liters per person per day, with special attention to the needs of vulnerable people, hospitals and schools.
What about the environment?
Smog and deteriorating air quality, toxic algae blooming in the water, and increased risk of forest fires are some of the concerns. Farm animals and those in markets and slaughterhouses will need more ventilation and livestock transport can be reduced. More pets could die if irresponsible owners leave them in restricted enclosures with poor ventilation.
What changes with the answer?
Level 4 means that the climate requires “a multisectoral response at the national and regional levels”. The decision to move to level 4 is made at the national level and is taken after an intergovernmental assessment of weather conditions, coordinated by the Secretariat for Civil Contingencies in the Cabinet Office. A major government department will be appointed, probably the Department of Health and Social Care.
According to the plan, the actions for health and social care providers are the same as in alert level 3, which has been underway for a few days now. These include visiting or calling people in high-risk categories, issuing public health messages, checking temperatures in rooms and residences, turning off unnecessary lights and equipment, and throwing blinds and curtains. Community groups are asked to “check those you know are at risk” and “activate the community emergency plan.”
Which people are at high risk?
The heat wave plan is sometimes awkwardly worded, but this is what he says about high-risk groups in the community: “More than 75 years, woman, living on her own and isolated, illness severe physical or mental; urban areas, south-facing upper floor; alcohol and / or drug dependence, homelessness, infants and young children, multiple medications and overexertion ”. And in residences and hospitals, people at greatest risk are described as: “over 75, woman, frail, severe physical or mental illness; multiple medications; babies and young children ”.
What is the government’s message to the people?
He says, “Stay out of the sun. Keep your home as cool as possible: shading windows and closing them during the day can help. Open them when it’s colder at night. Keep drinking liquids. If there are has someone you know, for example an elderly person living alone, who might be at special risk, make sure they know what to do. “