The alert stage is being activated in response to the rise in temperatures between midnight and 6 am, with the Barcelona Social Emergency and Urgent Care Centre (CUESB) to stay on alert in case any specific action is required or in case vulnerable people need to shelter there. The CUESB is also activating a series of measures within the context of the Heat Plan:

• The various support services offered by the Municipal Institute for Social Services (IMSS) and telecare services will be checking on and stepping up support for highly vulnerable individuals and families. Wherever possible, measures will be put in place to keep these people from going outside, for instance by providing fans and personalised support at home.
• The CUESB may offer more places for people in emergency social situations to stay overnight.
• When alerted by members of the public, checks can be carried out in public streets and squares and in homes, and the possibility of accommodation by the Short Stay Service (SEB) can be assessed if necessary.

In addition, the CUESB will send text messages to users of municipal social services who have been identified as particularly vulnerable, offering them recommendations and advice to combat the heat.

Heat Plan

Excessive and prolonged heat has been shown to have a negative impact on people’s health, particularly the most vulnerable, such as older people, babies and people with chronic health conditions.

To avoid and manage potential risks, the preventive stage of the Heat Plan and the Network of Climate Shelters will remain active from 15 June to 15 September. During this period, the municipal teams involved in prevention and intervention stand ready in case specific heat alerts are activated and municipal resources can be mobilised for the population.

Recommendations and advice on combating the heat

Keep temperatures under control at home:

• During the day, close the shutters on windows in direct sunlight.
• Open windows at night to ventilate the home.
• Keep to the coolest rooms.
• Use some form of cooling system (e.g. ventilators, air-conditioning or fans) and try to spend at least two hours a day in air-conditioned places such as libraries or cinemas.
• Freshen up regularly by showering or using damp towels.

Avoid direct sunlight outdoors:

• Wear a cap or hat or use some sort of sunshade.
• Wear light clothing (such as cotton), in light colours and not too tight-fitting.
• Try to walk in the shade, use a sunshade at the beach, and rest in cool spots in the street or in closed spaces with air-conditioning.
• Carry water with you and drink it often.
• Wet your face a little and even your clothes too.
• Take care with car journeys in the hottest parts of the day and don’t stay in the car with the windows up.
• Limit physical activity during the hottest times of the day.
• Avoid leaving the house during the hottest times of the day.

Food and drink:

• Drink water and fruit juices.
• Avoid alcoholic drinks.
• Avoid food which is very hot or high in calories.

Help others:

• If you know elderly or sick people who live alone, try to visit them once a day and make sure they’re following this advice.
• If they are on medication, check with their doctor if any adjustments or changes are needed.