Heatwave Early Warning Systems and Adaptation Advice to Reduce Human Health Consequences of Heatwaves

Abstract

Introduction: With climate change, there has been an increase in the frequency, intensity and duration of heatwave events. In response to the devastating mortality and morbidity of recent heatwave events, many countries have introduced heatwave early warning systems (HEWS). HEWS are designed to reduce the avoidable human health consequences of heatwaves through timely notification of prevention measures to vulnerable populations. Objective: To identify the key characteristics of HEWS in European countries to help inform modification of current, and development of, new systems and plans. Methods: We searched the internet to identify HEWS policy or government documents for 33 European countries and requested information from relevant organizations. We translated the HEWS documents and extracted details on the trigger indicators, thresholds for action, notification strategies, message intermediaries, communication and dissemination strategies, prevention strategies recommended and specified target audiences. Findings and Conclusions: Twelve European countries have HEWS. Although there are many similarities among the HEWS, there also are differences in key characteristics that could inform improvements in heatwave early warning plans.

The effects of the 1996–2012 summer heat events on human mortality in Slovakia

“…In the European context, research in this area may be particularly important in transition countries (such as Slovakia), which have still not reached the level of actions as in some of the most developed countries, where successful efforts to minimize the negative effects of heat (and weather in general) on their populations have already been made (e.g. Pascal et al, 2006;Fouillet et al, 2008;Lowe et al, 2011;Bittner et al, 2013). These results could therefore be particularly useful for future public health interventions, the implementation of which is below an adequate level in Slovakia.…”

A method for the deliberate and deliberative selection of policy instrument mixes for climate change adaptation

“…These types of measures are meant to keep the body temperature under a certain level to prevent heat stress, morbidity, and even mortality, particularly among vulnerable population groups such as the elderly and chronically ill (Schär and Jendritzky 2004). Behavioral measures to combat extreme heat are generally advised through heat health early warning systems and response plans (Lowe et al 2011). A key governance issue lies in the fragmentation of responsibilities among the multiple public and private actors involved (World Health Organization 2007), ranging from officers of public health and social services to health practitioners, caretakers in residential homes, and citizens or their family and neighbors.…”

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