Stay safe as Red Heat Health Alert issued

Published: 22 June 2026

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a Red Heat Health Alert — the highest level.

The alert came into effect at 09:00 on Wednesday 24 June and has now been extended until Friday 26 June.

A red alert is rare and signals population‑wide health risks, not just for those who are usually more vulnerable to extreme heat. It can lead to serious illness or danger to life.

As temperatures rise, please take extra care — especially for those who may feel the heat more than others.

Tips to stay safe in the heat

• Look out for older adults, people with health conditions and those living alone.
• Keep indoor spaces cool by closing curtains on sun‑facing windows.
• Stay hydrated — drink plenty of water and carry a bottle when out.
• Never leave anyone in a parked vehicle, including pets.
• Avoid the sun between 11am and 3pm when UV rays are strongest.
• Use high‑SPF sunscreen and wear a wide‑brimmed hat.
• Avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day.

Swimming safety and open water

• Swimming is not permitted in any lakes in Redbridge.
• Open water can be extremely dangerous due to hidden currents, cold temperatures and underwater hazards.
• The London Fire Brigade has produced a video on open‑water dangers — please take a moment to watch and share it.

Support for people sleeping rough

• Outreach teams will be providing water, hats, sun protection and fresh fruit.
• Anyone needing a safe, cool place to rest will be offered daytime respite.
• Support will be delivered by outreach workers, the Community Safety Taskforce and The Welcome Centre.
• Services carrying extra water in their vehicles can help us reach more people.
• Our Community Living Rooms and The Welcome Centre are open as cooling stations for anyone needing shade and relief.
• If you’re concerned about someone sleeping rough in Redbridge, please contact StreetLink so outreach teams can help quickly.
• Additional beds have been set up at Ryedale Hostel for vulnerable residents needing overnight shelter.
• Void spaces in our HMO have been offered, and further hotel spaces will be booked via Housing Solutions if required.
• Additional water has been ordered, and our Community Taskforce Team and Parks officers will be distributing supplies to those sleeping rough.

Service changes

Waste and recycling collections

Our bin collectors work incredibly hard, and this heat makes the job even more challenging. Due to the ongoing severe conditions, crews are being routinely called back in line with health and safety requirements — we must look after them.

This means it’s becoming more difficult to collect bins as quickly as we usually would.

• We are prioritising refuse collections (black bin bags and bins) and deploying all available resources to keep this service running.

• Recycling collections are our next priority, and we will work to ensure these rounds are completed by the end of the week.

• To help us focus on this and protect our teams, garden waste collections will be stood down for two days, with plans to catch up over the weekend.

Please leave your garden waste out — it will be collected over the weekend.

We know this may be frustrating, and we really appreciate your understanding. This is an exceptional situation, and the health and wellbeing of our staff must come first.

Schools

• Parents and carers are advised to check directly with individual schools to see if there are any changes to school opening times.

Parks and BBQs

• Take your rubbish home or use the bins provided.
• BBQs are not permitted in any Redbridge parks, including disposable ones.
• Dry grass can catch fire easily — please avoid naked flames outdoors.
• Dispose of cigarette butts safely.

By sharing this information with friends, family and neighbours, we can help everyone stay safe during the hot weather.

For the latest weather updates, visit the Met Office website.