Executive Summary
- The UKHSA and Met Office extended the amber cold-health alert for Brighton & Hove until January 12.
- Residents are urged to keep indoor temperatures at 18°C and check on vulnerable neighbors.
- The Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) is active to provide shelter for rough sleepers.
- Local resources like Energyworks and LEAP are available for energy bill assistance.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Met Office have extended an amber cold-health alert for Brighton & Hove, now effective until 12 p.m. on Monday, January 12, prompting local officials to issue urgent safety guidance.
Brighton & Hove City Council has advised residents to prioritize staying warm and to monitor vulnerable individuals, including the elderly, young children, and those with chronic health conditions. According to the council’s directive, residents should heat occupied rooms to at least 18°C (64.4°F) and wear multiple thin layers of clothing to retain body heat effectively.
Councillor Mitchie Alexander, Cabinet Member for Communities, Equalities, Public Health and Adult Social Care, emphasized the risks associated with prolonged low temperatures. "We know that prolonged cold weather can have serious impacts on health, especially for older people and those with existing health conditions," Alexander stated. "With the amber alert extended, we’re asking everyone to take simple steps to stay warm and well and to check in on friends, family and neighbors, who might need extra support."
To assist those struggling with energy costs, the council highlighted available local services. Organizations such as Energyworks and The Local Energy Advice Partnership (LEAP) are offering free support and small energy-saving measures. Additionally, the city’s Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) has been activated. This protocol, triggered when temperatures are predicted to feel like zero degrees Celsius or during amber warnings, provides emergency shelter for rough sleepers. The council directed residents concerned about individuals sleeping rough to contact the Streetlink service.
Public Health Advisory
The extension of the amber alert underscores the persistent nature of the current cold snap affecting the region. Meteorological data indicates that sustained low temperatures pose a significant strain on public health infrastructure, particularly regarding respiratory and cardiovascular conditions exacerbated by the cold. Local authorities are focusing on community-based welfare checks to mitigate these risks, relying on social care networks to bridge the gap for isolated residents. The activation of emergency protocols like SWEP highlights the critical need for immediate intervention to protect the unhoused population during this period of severe weather.
