US Climate and Health Alliance

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.

Resource Type
Peer-reviewed article
Authors
Dianne Lowe Kristie L. Ebi Bertil Forsberg
Resource URL
http://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/8/12/4623/htm
Publication
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Journal Abbr.
Int J Environ Res Public Health
Volume
8
Issue
12
Pages
4623-4648
Date
Dec 2011
DOI
10.3390/ijerph8124623
ISSN
1660-4601
Organization Type
Academic
Health and Human Impact
Heat illness/extreme temperature
Climate and Environmental Impacts
Extreme weather events Heat
Solutions
Disaster preparedness Public health/health sector response
Region
International

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