Cardiff Council is taking proactive steps to protect residents and services as the Met Office issues a Red Warning expected to come into force for Cardiff today and Thursday.
The Council is working closely with partners and emergency services in the city to manage the impact of the extreme heat, which could pose risks to health and wellbeing, particularly for vulnerable residents, people spending time outdoors, and those working in high temperatures.
Services across the Council are adapting how they operate to help keep residents and staff safe.
Schools have been issued with guidance to help them keep pupils and staff safe. The advice reflects national guidance, with the expectation that schools should remain open wherever possible, with appropriate mitigations in place and decisions informed by local risk assessment.
A range of measures will be in place to manage the risks associated with high temperatures, including ensuring good ventilation, regular access to drinking water, adapting activities, relaxing uniform policies where appropriate, helping staff to recognise the signs of heat-related illness, adapting timetables, and taking extra care to protect more vulnerable learners.
Some outdoor activities, such as sports days or trips, may also be adjusted, rescheduled or postponed where necessary.
Parents are encouraged to send children to school with a refillable water bottle, dress them in light, loose clothing, provide a hat or cap and apply sunscreen before the school day.
Headteachers are best placed to make decisions for their own settings based on their local circumstances. All schools will carry out risk assessments, which are reviewed throughout the day, considering factors such as classroom temperatures, building conditions, and the needs of pupils and staff.
There is no set temperature at which schools must close. Any decision to close, either fully or partially, would be taken where risks cannot be safely managed and would be based on a thorough risk assessment in consultation with the local authority.
The Council is providing additional accommodation and enhanced support to vulnerable individuals experiencing homelessness.
Extra welfare checks are being carried out, with a particular focus on rough sleepers, older people and those with underlying health conditions.
Care providers and social care services are also adjusting activities and contacting vulnerable residents to ensure their safety.
All essential statutory visits to children and young people will continue in line with health and safety guidance. Play and childcare services will complete risk assessments where it is safe to do so and consider options which will not expose children and staff to extreme heat.
Some Council services are operating differently during the period of extreme heat:
Waste collections are starting earlier (from around 5am)
Garden waste collections are temporarily suspended to prioritise essential services
Transport and highways are being monitored closely to identify any issues caused by high temperatures.
Event organisers across the city have worked to ensure appropriate safety measures are in place.
The Council’s response is guided by a clear principle of prioritising public and staff safety over routine activities where there are heat-related risks.
