(Page updated 20/06/25 due to changes from yellow to amber heat-health alert)
As London braces for a heatwave and in light of the amber heat-health alert issued by UKHSA—the London Community Emergency Partnership (LCEP) is here to support charities and community groups who are helping Londoners stay safe and well. We’re sharing key resources and guidance to help organisations prepare, raise awareness, and look out for those most affected by the rising temperatures.
Why heatwave preparedness matters
Heatwaves are no longer rare events. They are increasingly frequent due to climate change and pose serious health risks, exacerbating existing health issues and straining the NHS and emergency services. Groups such as older adults, babies and young children, rough sleepers, and those with chronic illnesses are particularly at risk.
What can you do?
Whether you’re an individual or part of a charity or community group, there are simple steps you can take to prepare and protect your community:
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Check in on neighbours, especially those highlighted as particularly at risk
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Share public health messages around keeping cool, recognising signs of heat stress, and when to seek help. UKHSA have produced a new communications toolkit for 2025
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Prepare and promote venues like community centres as ‘cool spaces’ for residents to take refuge during the hottest parts of the day. Take a look at the GLA cools spaces project
Protecting against wildfires
When it comes to wildfires, we would like to highlight a specific risk that was the source of the Wennington fire in 2022; compost heaps. Keep compost heaps as well as any flammable material away from buildings and other structures.
In addition to this, ensure your compost heaps are well-managed and maintained. This includes:
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Keep your pile moist, if you are worried that it is too dry and could be a fire risk take a watering can or hose and add a bit more moisture
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Keep a good balance of green and brown materials
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Keep turning the pile so the heat dissipates
Access key resources
To support your efforts, the Voluntary and Community Sector Emergency Partnership (VCSEP) has a comprehensive Heatwave Preparedness Guide. It includes practical steps, government guidelines, and resources tailored for voluntary and community groups.
Additionally, the LCEP Climate Hub signposts to London specific resources both for the heatwave this week and future extreme weather events. We have also recently published our report from our heatwave exercise project which took place in 8 boroughs earlier this year.
Also see the Refill campaign, which can help you find free drinking water in London.
Advice from Homeless Link: preparing for hot weather
Wildfire preparedness and prevention from London Fire Brigade
Let’s work together
By acting early and working collaboratively, we can reduce the impact of this heatwave on Londoners—particularly those most at risk. If you’re unsure how to get started or need help accessing resources, please contact us at info@lcep.london.
Please also share these resources with your networks, staff, and volunteers.
