This Heatwave Emergency Preparedness & Response Plan aims to establish an effective, efficient, coordinated public health preparedness and response plan to prevent mortality, morbidity & disability because of heat. It relates to the preparation, readiness and responsiveness of the health care system in Northwest Syria, specifically of emergency departments and emergency medicine systems, to environmental heatwaves and extreme heat events.

The most important actions to take during a heat-wave are: to avoid or reduce exposure, to communicate risks effectively, to take particular care of vulnerable population groups and to manage mild and severe heat illness.