Hot Weather, Hidden Risks: How Can We Communicate Better?

Overview

Climate change has made extreme heat more frequent in the UK. In 2022, temperatures exceeded 40°C for the first time. This extreme heat increases health risks, wildfires, and disruptions to services like transport.

Some groups including older people, children, and those with health conditions, are more at risk from the effects of extreme heat. Many older people may not see themselves as vulnerable, meaning they don’t take the necessary steps to stay safe.

We want to hear from you about how we should communicate heat risks in a way which makes sense and is helpful. This survey is part of our work to make sure everyone, especially older people, has the information they need to stay safe during hot weather.

In this survey, we want to understand:

• How to share and promote messages about the risks of extreme heat
• What kind of information works for you
• Successful ways to communicate these risks, including when and how to share this information
• How useful access to ‘cool spaces’ may be in helping older people stay safe during extreme heat

Your feedback will help us make sure we’re communicating in a way that works for you and your community.