You may have spotted SIFA Fireside and other organisations announcing when ‘SWEP’ has been activated in Birmingham, but have you ever wondered what that actually means?
In this short explainer, we will break down exactly what the Severe Emergency Weather Provision (SWEP) is and why it is important. This blog focuses on what is informally known as ‘Hot SWEP’, which is activated when we experience high temperatures and hot weather conditions that risk causing harm or loss of life to people who are rough sleeping.
What is SWEP?
The Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) is a locally agreed procedure to minimise harm or death to anyone who might be sleeping rough in extreme weather conditions. In Birmingham, the city council initiates ‘Hot SWEP’ whenever there is a severe weather warning in place, or when temperatures reach a level that pose significant risks to health or life.
The support available during ‘Hot SWEP’ includes the free provision of bottled water and sunscreen. There is also a network of local organisations that open as a shady space during the core hours of the day, including SIFA’s Support Centre in Digbeth.
Why is SWEP needed?
There is no universal offer of accommodation mandated for people sleeping rough in England. The provision of shelter from a council is not a statutory duty (something that the council must do, rather than something they can choose to do or not) unless a person is considered homeless and in priority need of assistance.
However, there is a widely recognised humanitarian obligation on local authorities to do all they can to prevent deaths and serious harm on the streets. This has meant that for many years, local authorities and their partners work together to provide emergency support during periods of severe weather.
During a heatwave, the primary risks posed for people who are rough sleeping include heat exhaustion, the potential for sun exposure to cause burns, and heatstroke. The latter risks can become life-threatening, so it is important that prevention measures are prioritised.
How to help someone sleeping rough during ‘Hot SWEP’?
If you see someone rough sleeping during extreme weather, use the Street Link website to alert the rough sleeper outreach team who will try to find them and offer support.
If you see someone very unwell or suffering with signs of heatstroke, call for an ambulance immediately.
Whilst SWEP is activated, anyone rough sleeping can use SIFA Fireside’s Support Centre, located on Liverpool Street in Digbeth, as a shady space. The centre is open for extended hours during SWEP, meaning that the space is accessible between 9am and 4pm, alongside the provision of bottled water and sunscreen. This is in addition to our usual rough sleeping provisions which include breakfast, lunch, access to showers and laundry facilities amongst many other support services.
