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Work not taking red alert seriously

983 replies

Founderflower · Yesterday 11:39

Why are some people not taking the red weather warning seriously? Where I am it’s 39 degrees on Wed/ Thur but ‘feels like’ 42 according to BBC.

At work they’re expecting everyone in - the office is air conditioned, so fine, but we’re central London so everyone needs to schlep in on public transport.

Red means a danger to life and not just for vulnerable people. Some people who are healthy will die because of the weather. There’s warnings of power outages and transport failures. So what happens if we get stuck on a broken down underground train?

I KNOW other countries see these temps regularly. But they are prepared for dealing with it. England is not and it fucks up. I don’t want a heart attack from sitting in 48 degree heat on a train. I’m really stressed out!

If it were a red warning around severe wind or rain or flooding they wouldn’t be telling everyone to come in! So why is heat seen differently?

OP posts:
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Meddlingmoonbeam · Today 20:19

lindyloo57 · Today 20:23

I think they should of cancelled the royle norfolk show, all them poor animals standing in the heat, they could of easily put it off for another week

GeorgeMichaelsCat · Today 20:24

bookworm14 · Today 20:14

Why aren’t people reading the bloody thread?

Because of all the complete bollocks on it? "Walk to work". The Underground is underground so is cooler". "Just cycle"

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

Livelovebehappy · Today 20:27

Families go abroad in tbe summer on holiday with temps regularly at 30 plus degrees. So why is there so much anxiety over a couple of days of high temparatures? The news today saying dont leave the house unless you have to! Just bonkers.

Abouteffingtime · Today 20:27

Ooohletsgo · Today 19:41

Tell that to my work.

@Ooohletsgo what do you do??

Hannahlou9595 · Today 20:30

If you’re really worried I’d take the day sick. It sounds like it’s making you feel really anxious and worried and I think it’s perfectly ok on this occasion to say you don’t feel well enough to go in. 💕

WobblyLondoner · Today 20:40

FlyingSteve · Today 18:57

What do you mean 'a lot of meetings moving to hybrid'? They are already hybrid - dial into teams, turn your camera on and you're literally there in the room whilst sitting in your pants 300 miles away somewhere far better.

Honestly people have just been brainwashed. There is no need for any laptop meetings to be in person - that's already been proved. Nothing happened to productivity during Covid. People keep trying to prove otherwise to justify an agenda but the fact is that nothing happened.

Sorry, what? Amazed to hear how well you know the status of the meetings I’m attending 🤔!

As it happens, some were already hybrid but ones where it is normally much better to be there in person - lots of opportunity to catch up with people I’ve not seen for a while and have those sort of interactions you don’t have on Teams. But sensibly we are forsaking that to meet virtually. Hope that helps!

MrMay · Today 20:42

Livelovebehappy · Today 20:27

Families go abroad in tbe summer on holiday with temps regularly at 30 plus degrees. So why is there so much anxiety over a couple of days of high temparatures? The news today saying dont leave the house unless you have to! Just bonkers.

Edited

A holiday is different. When someone is on holiday abroad they are not working in this heat and their have their own time to do their own thing. They can lounge about and there's no real extortion on a body.

Working into this is different. One may not be able to sleep well at night time due to the heat. Then you have to get up and get ready and travel to work and work all day. Maybe even work over time too and what else. It's just too much for many.

igelkott2026 · Today 20:47

Livelovebehappy · Today 20:27

Families go abroad in tbe summer on holiday with temps regularly at 30 plus degrees. So why is there so much anxiety over a couple of days of high temparatures? The news today saying dont leave the house unless you have to! Just bonkers.

Edited

Well I don't because I don't like hot weather!

Sun worshippers might but the rest of us go to Finland😎

GaIadriel · Today 20:47

Well, I got through the day with no air con. It was bloody hot but at no point did I think I might perish.

Thriftnugget · Today 20:50

No doubt about it, this hot weather is beyond what we are set up to deal with. Fortunately it’s only due to be 2-3 days at the very highest temperature. Most of us will probably feel less productive, a bit irritable and won’t sleep very well. The ability of the forecasters to tell us what to expect and the warning systems are a double edged sword in my view. Really useful information for those who are vulnerable to the heat or caring for vulnerable people. A heads up on likely travel problems. An opportunity to be prepared by allowing extra time where possible and take sensible measures like taking water with us, wearing breathable fabric etc. Most of us will still, nevertheless, be uncomfortable at times. But on the other hand the warnings are viewed by many of the general healthy population as a personal warning that their own life is in danger when, given normal precautions are taken, they almost certainly are not. It feels like many people cannot distinguish between “I am going to be uncomfortable and possibly inconvenienced” with “my own life is in danger”. The people who really are in danger from the heat should, of course, be protected by the measures possible. This includes, for example, street homeless people whose health is often already compromised. I can’t fathom people keeping their children off school unless the school has asked for that to happen or said children are specifically vulnerable or underlying issues that mean that their coping abilities are reduced. Unless you have such little faith in the school’s leadership and organisation that you genuinely believe that they will not be able to make sensible decisions about health and safety. In which case you have a bigger problem. Of course protect from danger (including by not jumping into unfamiliar bodies of water - one of the specific risks that hot weather gives rise to) but discomfort is not the same as a threat to life.
And to the OP- a request to work from home given the likelihood of public transport delays seems reasonable. If it’s refused ask for annual leave. (I wish my office had air con!)

menopausalfart · Today 20:52

@GaIadriel
I'm sure you must know that people do die in this heat. Well done for surviving though.

Pumpernickelbrakes · Today 20:54

Still 😮 at all the heat & humidity minimizers on here. I’m a Brit who lives & works in Caribbean and here is our local weather station reading up the road. 33.5 Celsius- 77% humidity so similar to many parts of the UK now.

The workers who work outside are typically taking breaks in the shade at this time.

Non-manual workers are inside, in aircon. They drove to work in cars with aircon, or caught the bus - which also has aircon. People wait to hail buses under shaded trees. They do not “just walk” miles in the heat. And when people do have to walk short distances they walk slowly, covered up, wearing hats or carrying umbrellas for shade, they carry water and hug the shade. Nobody sits out in the sun.

The school buses have aircon. Most of the schools have finished now anyway. The schools all have aircon, and shade sails in play areas.

When people exercise they do so indoors if they can, or walk dogs/jog early or just before sunset.

Houses are insulated against heat and tiled. Ceiling fans. Even people who are very short on money priorities split a/c in one room and cross-current floor fans. They draw curtains, use reflective covers and outdoor shading, keep doors and windows closed.

We are all USED to the heat and humidity (it’s warm all year and this summer is expected to be brutally hot) - and we would NOT chance walking across London, a heat island with heat reflecting off the concrete and little shade - in 40F and high humidity, or get on a bus with no a/c.

And you are not used to it. It’s really dangerous. Heat exhaustion is dangerous; heat stroke can kill or cause permanent brain damage.

The sun sets around 7pm in summer here; nights are still very hot but you have hours more daylight and sun exposure than us.

I really hope you heed the warnings, if you can avoid unnecessary travel please do, my heart goes out to all those who are feeling sick and suffering, in accomodation or at work with no relief from this dangerous weather.

Work not taking red alert seriously
Vixetar · Today 20:55

PinkNBlueBunnies · Yesterday 11:41

Well logically, being underground you shouldn’t be any more affected by surface temperatures than usual so your anxiety about being stuck on a broken underground train is unfounded. But I do get that being above ground will be worrying.

Have you ever been on London Underground?!!!! It’s like an oven even on mild days, in this heat it is completely unbearable

Edamcheese · Today 20:56

What about hair salons my daughter is working tomorrow with clients wanting blow drying. No fans in her shop or able to open windows as they are two huge glass panels. Her boss won’t close the salon .about 6 hairdryers going at the same time it’s humane she will be working for 8 hours. And that’s the same for all the hair stylist who will be working and of course every where else. And the poor clients. It’s a nightmare these heatwaves as it affects everything and everyone in our country. Hopefully the new prime minister will come up with a solution 🤔😁

AliceAbsolum · Today 20:57

I went for a 35 min run at 6pm. It's fine. Jeshh the amount of anxiety on this thread is insane.

JennyShaw · Today 21:13

stealthninjamum · Yesterday 11:52

I can’t disagree more. Underground trains get unbearably hot in heatwaves. I can remember even when Boris or Ken Livingston was mayor there being a competition with a huge prize money to invent a way of cooling it down and the weather was nothing like it will be this week. If you were stuck in a tube in this heat, in rush hour, I honestly think people would be fainting and having panic attacks.

Do you remember when Routemaster busses had a window right at the front on the top deck. You could wind it down and there would be a breeze as the bus moved along. The modern Routemasters don't have that or the other buses.

anon666 · Today 21:13

I'm in two minds here. I've been abroad in this sort of heat and it does impact people very differently. I'm particularly sensitive to getting heatstroke amd have had it twice on holidays to France in summer.

But on the other hand, part of me thinks we are going to have to become more resilient to variations, especially heatwaves, since this is our new world.

I've heard the argument that we aren't suited to this and don't have historic adaptations to high heat in the UK. The truth is, a lot of countries deal with heat amd dont have adaptations either. I think its a bit of a "first world problems" issue, which gets embarrassing when you probe into it.

But then I do live in London and have experienced the commute in these temperatures. Its hot, but I cant see any way around it. We cant shut society down every time we get temperatures which are everyday and routine for 90% of the world's population. 😬

Case in point, my lovely cleaner came today. Its over 30 degrees. I said are you sure you're okay in this heat. She just laughed and said "like Sri Lanka" (where she's from originally)

We're going to have to learn to suck it up. You can get acclimated.

justasking111 · Today 21:23

Edamcheese · Today 20:56

What about hair salons my daughter is working tomorrow with clients wanting blow drying. No fans in her shop or able to open windows as they are two huge glass panels. Her boss won’t close the salon .about 6 hairdryers going at the same time it’s humane she will be working for 8 hours. And that’s the same for all the hair stylist who will be working and of course every where else. And the poor clients. It’s a nightmare these heatwaves as it affects everything and everyone in our country. Hopefully the new prime minister will come up with a solution 🤔😁

I've delayed my hair appointment. Not a chance I'm sitting there in this heat.

JennyShaw · Today 21:26

FFSItsTooHot · Today 19:47

As to why is extreme heat seen so differently to say flooding,or heavy snow,it's an ingrained attitude that a lot of people in countries that are frequently cold and wet that extreme heat must be a good thing. The media doesn't help with their banging on about everyone enjoying, basking and sizzling. Every photo you see in newspapers during a heatwave is always of people lying prostrate in parks or on beaches,women in bikinis and people generally have a good time. They never show someone being taken to hospital with heatstroke,or someone's cat/dog not knowing what to do with themselves because of the intense heat. Thankfully, meteorologists and health experts are now challenging this attitude. Although saying that,some of these weather reporters on TV report heatwaves and very high temperatures with a massive grin on their face as if it's something everyone is looking forward to.

English people find it difficult to understand that you can have too much heat.

"Mad Dogs and Englishmen"
By Noël Coward
[Verse 1] In tropical climes there are certain times of day When all the citizens retire to tear their clothes and perspire. It's a customs that is carried out the finest and the best, From the Philippines to the Caroline Islands, From Spain and Sumatra and Sao Paulo to Peru. But everyone’s holiday is from twelve to two.
[Chorus] But mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the noonday sun. The Japanese don't care to, the Chinese wouldn't dare to, Hindus and Argentines sleep soundly from twelve to one. But Englishmen detest a siesta. In the Philippines they have lovely screens to protect you from the glare. In the Malay States they have hats like plates which the Britishers won't wear. At twelve o'clock the natives swoon and an awful silence falls, And the leopards and tigers anoint themselves with castor oil, But mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the noonday sun.
[Verse 2] It is such a surprise for the Eastern eyes to see, That though the gorgeous bird of paradise responds to the call, The British soldier can't respond at all. When the sun is hot enough to melt a silversmith’s re-tort, You can hear the British chorus in the Central Provinces, "For God and Country we’re going to play sport!"
[Chorus] But mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the noonday sun. The toughest Burmese bandit can never understand it. In Rangoon the heat of June is scarcely a thing for fun. But Englishmen detest a siesta. The smallest mutt a grandmother’s got will hide under the bed, In the Jungle Town the sun beats down and it's hot enough to melt your lead. Most gentlemen of every kind don't think it's very wise, But the Englishman’s got a very strong element of surprise, And mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the noonday sun.

JenniferBooth · Today 21:28

FFSItsTooHot · Today 19:47

As to why is extreme heat seen so differently to say flooding,or heavy snow,it's an ingrained attitude that a lot of people in countries that are frequently cold and wet that extreme heat must be a good thing. The media doesn't help with their banging on about everyone enjoying, basking and sizzling. Every photo you see in newspapers during a heatwave is always of people lying prostrate in parks or on beaches,women in bikinis and people generally have a good time. They never show someone being taken to hospital with heatstroke,or someone's cat/dog not knowing what to do with themselves because of the intense heat. Thankfully, meteorologists and health experts are now challenging this attitude. Although saying that,some of these weather reporters on TV report heatwaves and very high temperatures with a massive grin on their face as if it's something everyone is looking forward to.

yes ive noticed that The ones on ITV and Anglia News are terrible for it

FlyingSteve · Today 21:28

WobblyLondoner · Today 20:40

Sorry, what? Amazed to hear how well you know the status of the meetings I’m attending 🤔!

As it happens, some were already hybrid but ones where it is normally much better to be there in person - lots of opportunity to catch up with people I’ve not seen for a while and have those sort of interactions you don’t have on Teams. But sensibly we are forsaking that to meet virtually. Hope that helps!

If the meeting you are attending involves you and a laptop then my point is that it's status is completely irrelevant.

It is your personal view that the meeting happens better in person as, in your own words, there are ''...lots of opportunity to catch up with people I’ve not seen for a while and have those sort of interactions you don’t have on Teams...'' which is great for you but not necessarily shared by everyone else in the room. This is what I feel so many people completely fail to understand.

That, in a nutshell, is my point. Just because in person interactions work better for some as in your case doesn't mean that its the case and point for everyone.

Every meeting involving a computer or laptop is hybrid whether people like it or not. They make them 'in person only', but Covid showed that nothing involving a laptop needs to be 'in person only' , it's just your or your companies preference to be there in person.

Tedsnan1 · Today 21:29

Notmycircusnotmyotter · Yesterday 11:58

Why so much drama over a bit of warm weather?

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

Ooohletsgo · Today 21:29

Abouteffingtime · Today 20:27

@Ooohletsgo what do you do??

I work in manufacturing, I’m stood roughly 7ft away from a 300°c gas fired furnace for 12 hours, I regularly walk into a room which is programmed to be at 58°c with a humidity of 75% and I’m surrounded by motors which give off heat, we have fans but they are used to cool down machinery which otherwise would self combust or cut out due to the heat (this happened 2/3 weeks ago during the last heatwave)
We have to wear PPE which includes hard hats, face masks, thick overalls and safety boots.

My job requires me to lift 24kg weights roughly every 9 minutes, and then manually manoeuvre a 2.7 tonne item of machinery every 3/5 minutes depending on the day.

We’ve been in chats with our own H&S dept along with our union about working in these temperatures, unfortunately it’s unavoidable in my industry. So you can imagine why I get irate about people complaining when they work in an office, sat in a chair for 8 hours, often with a desk fan.

I believe I’m allowed to complain about the heat given the above.

Jane143 · Today 21:30

I reckon by Friday when it’s over we will look back and think it’s all been over hyped by the press as usual. Probably max temperature in the low 30’s