Heat Action Day

Climate change is turning up the heat around the world. But together, we can #BeatTheHeat! On June 14, Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies performed coordinated heat wave flash mobs in public spaces to raise awareness of heat risks and share simple ways to #BeatTheHeat.

Why do we need a Heat Action Day?

Women and children in Imhambane province, Mozambique seek refuge under trees in the shade and drink water during a period of extreme heat and drought

Women and children in Imhambane province, Mozambique seek refuge under trees in the shade and drink water during a period of extreme heat and drought

Photo: IFRC/Victor Lacken

Heat waves are deadly. Every year, they claim the lives of infants, older people, and people with chronic health conditions around the world. People living in cities and towns tend to be the hardest hit because urban areas are generally hotter than the surrounding countryside.

Due to climate change, heat waves are on the rise globally—getting both hotter and longer. But they don't need to lead to tragedy.

There are simple actions we can all take to protect ourselves, our neighbours, our family members and friends. These include drinking water, resting in the shade, and avoiding outdoor activity in the hottest part of the day.

We need a Heat Action Day to raise awareness about this silent emergency so more people worldwide can stay safe and #BeatTheHeat

How to get involved

Netherlands Red Cross volunteers go door-to-door to check upon older people during a scorching heatwave in summer 2018 and make sure they know how to stay safe and cool in the heat

Netherlands Red Cross volunteers go door-to-door to check upon older people during a scorching heatwave in summer 2018 and make sure they know how to stay safe and cool in the heat

Photo: Netherlands Red Cross

Although Heat Action Day 2022 has now passed, you can still get involved in our campaign and help your communities #BeatTheHeat

Check out the resources available on this page and gather a team together to do a heat wave flash mob.

A flash mob is a group of people who assemble suddenly in a public place, perform for a brief time, then quickly disperse. They can be for entertainment, catching people’s attention, or raising awareness about a particular cause.

Do you drink lots of water? Do you find a nice, shady tree to rest under? Or have you created your own device to help you #BeatTheHeat? Show us with your flash mob! Make sure to film it and share the video on social media using the hashtag #BeatTheHeat and tagging @IFRC

Check out this Twitter thread and the videos below to see the creative ways National Societies around the world got involved!

Watch: #BeatTheHeat flash mobs around the world!

How to organize a flash mob

Partners

Heat Action Day 2022 was co-organized by the IFRC, Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre and Global Disaster Preparedness Center.

We were excited to have many National Societies and other organizations joining us to raise awareness of extreme heat!

In addition to National Societies, we also had The European Emergency Circle, African News Agency, Beyond Plastic Nigeria, Punjab University, Christian Fellowship and Care Foundation, and Kathmandu University Youth Red Cross Circle organizing heat wave flash mobs around the world.