Are heat warning systems effective?
Open accessAbstract
Heatwaves are associated with significant health risks particularly among vulnerable groups. To minimize these risks, heat warning systems have been implemented. The question therefore is how effective these systems are in saving lives and reducing heat-related harm. We systematically searched and reviewed 15 studies which examined this. Six studies asserted that fewer people died of excessive heat after the implementation of heat warning systems. Demand for ambulance decreased following the implementation of these systems. One study also estimated the costs of running heat warning systems at US$210,000 compared to the US$468 million benefits of saving 117 lives. The remaining eight studies investigated people's response to heat warning systems and taking appropriate actions against heat harms. Perceived threat of heat dangers emerged as the main factor related to heeding the warnings and taking proper actions. However, barriers, such as costs of running air-conditioners, were of significant concern, particularly to the poor. The weight of the evidence suggests that heat warning systems are effective in reducing mortality and, potentially, morbidity. However, their effectiveness may be mediated by cognitive, emotive and socio-demographic characteristics. More research is urgently required into the cost-effectiveness of heat warning systems' measures and improving the utilization of the services.
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The body of literature supports that a heatwave warning system can be an effective tool in reducing heat-related mortality and morbidity.
“The body of literature supports the notion that a heatwave warning system can be an effective tool in reducing heat-related mortality and morbidity [36,124].”
From Heatwaves in South Asia: Characterization, Consequences on Human Health, and Adaptation Strategies (2022) · cites this paper as [124]
The cost of running heat warning systems creates a financial barrier for developing countries.
“The estimated cost of running heat warning systems is USD 210,000 [124], and therefore creates a financial barrier for developing countries.”
From Heatwaves in South Asia: Characterization, Consequences on Human Health, and Adaptation Strategies (2022) · cites this paper as [124]
The estimated cost of running heat warning systems is USD 210,000.
“The estimated cost of running heat warning systems is USD 210,000 [124], and therefore creates a financial barrier for developing countries.”
From Heatwaves in South Asia: Characterization, Consequences on Human Health, and Adaptation Strategies (2022) · cites this paper as [124]
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- Authors
- Toloo, G., FitzGerald, G., Aitken, P., Verrall, K., & Tong, S.
- Affiliations
- Queensland University of Technology (AU)
- James Cook University (AU)
- Queensland Government (AU)
- Corresponding author
- Toloo, Ghasem
- Venue
- Environmental Health
- Published
- 2013-04-05
- Volume
- 12
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 27-27
- ISSN
- 1476-069X (ISSN-L)
- PMC
- PMC3626939
- OpenAlex
- W1505976086
- Cited by
- 1
- References
- 33
- Citations by year
- 2022: 1
- FWCI
- 0.00
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- gold
- doi.org
- Licence
- Locations
- Environmental Health (publishedVersion, cc-by)
- Europe PMC (PubMed Central) (publishedVersion, cc-by)
- PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- ResearchOnline - JCU (James Cook University) (submittedVersion)
- Funders
- Queensland Health
- National Health and Medical Research Council (553043)
- Topics
- Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis › Climate Change and Health Impacts
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Physiology › Thermoregulation and physiological responses
- Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Environmental Engineering › Urban Heat Island Mitigation
- Keywords
- heat warning systems, heat waves, heat-related mortality, heat-related morbidity, public response to warnings, threat perception, cost-effectiveness, vulnerable populations, ambulance demand
- MeSH terms
- Cost-Benefit Analysis, Health Promotion, Humans, Risk Factors, Heat Stress Disorders, Extreme Heat
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