London’s Severe Weather Emergency Protocol is now active to protect the homeless during freezing temperatures and snow this winter
London: The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has kicked off the year with the first Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) as temperatures have dropped below freezing. It’s a chilly start to 2025!
Forecasters are warning of a yellow weather alert this weekend, predicting snow across England, Wales, and parts of Scotland from Saturday to Monday. So, it’s going to be a cold one!
So, what’s SWEP all about? It’s a local emergency response plan designed to help those who might be sleeping rough when the weather gets extreme. It’s all about keeping vulnerable folks safe.
During winter, there’s emergency accommodation available, but SWEP kicks in when the weather gets really bad, like when temperatures hit 0°C. It’s a temporary measure to protect those in need.
For homeless individuals, this means more emergency places to stay when the weather turns nasty. The mayor, local councils, and charities team up to make sure there’s shelter available since there’s no legal obligation for councils to provide it during harsh weather.
This winter, SWEP has been activated for three nights already, and last winter, it was in effect for 16 nights. Mr. Khan emphasized the importance of this initiative, saying it’s crucial to offer support to anyone seen sleeping rough in these freezing conditions.
If you spot someone in need, you can help by reaching out to StreetLink. They’ll alert local outreach teams who are out at night to connect those in need with support services. You can refer someone through their website or by calling 0300 500 0914.
And if you ever see someone in a medical emergency, don’t hesitate to call 999. There are also other ways to pitch in, like volunteering at shelters or donating food and clothes, especially since demand tends to spike in colder weather.
