Cork Simon warns homeless ‘at high risk’ from hot weather

Cork Simon has warned that the hot weather is putting people living on the streets at huge risk.

The high temperatures pose increased risk of heat stress, dehydration, and sunburn, and those sleeping rough or spending significant portions of their day out on the streets are particularly vulnerable.

A high-temperature warning for Ireland is in place until 9am on Saturday.

Paul Sheehan of Cork Simon said that although there is a lot of talk about homeless people on the streets during extreme cold spells, “this kind of weather is just as dangerous”.

“If you’re out in the sun for any length of time, the UV index is very high which can be very dangerous,” he said.

Risk of dehydration

People drinking alcohol are at particular risk of dehydration, as alcohol is a diuretic, which means it causes the body to lose fluids faster than it takes them in.

“If you’re drinking or using substances, you’re also less aware of your own health at that point,” said Mr Sheehan.

He said Cork Simon outreach workers are out on the streets of the city offering support to people, giving out vital supplies, and encouraging people to come indoors to their day service shelter.

He admitted this could be a challenge.

“Our team are out trying to find everybody who’s on the streets, give out bottled water, suncream, and sunhats, and making sure they know our day centre is there for the hottest part of the day so they can avoid the most extreme impacts of the sun.

“They’ll be out doing that up until the weather breaks, which is set to be at the end of the week.”

It comes as the number of homeless people in Cork topped 800 for the first time in April, according to the latest government figures.

The May figures are set to be released on Friday.