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.
Highlights
IntroductionThere has been an increase in the frequency, intensity and duration of heatwave events
With climate change, there has been an increase in the frequency, intensity and duration of heatwave events
The true rate of mortality associated with heatwaves is often greater than initially attributed, as heat related deaths are not always recorded as such [6]
Summary
There has been an increase in the frequency, intensity and duration of heatwave events. HEWS are designed to reduce the avoidable human health consequences of heatwaves through timely notification of prevention measures to vulnerable populations. Methods: We searched the internet to identify HEWS policy or government documents for 33 European countries and requested information from relevant organizations. Extreme weather events such as droughts, hurricanes and heatwaves are increasing in frequency and intensity [1,2,3,4]. Increases in heatwave related morbidity and mortality are attributed to increases in the frequency, intensity and duration of hot days, increased numbers of ageing adults and increased urbanization [10] The increase in mortality during a heatwave is preventable [7] and effectively preventing this risk has been highlighted as a priority issue by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Euroheat [8,9].
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More From: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
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