The street outreach Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) helps to protect and provide for vulnerable people sleeping rough during severe weather.
SWEP is activated when there is a real risk of loss of life because of weather conditions, it must be applied when the night-time temperature is predicted to be zero degree Celsius or below for 3 nights in a row.
An occasional forecast above zero in a series of nights where the temperature is below zero should not stop SWEP from being activated.
We will also consider:
- how rain, snow and wind chill affect the temperatures
- exceptional weather, including extreme wind, rain and flooding
In the event of a Met Office Amber Warning or if severe weather is coupled with very low temperatures, we will decide whether SWEP should be activated.
If a red warning is issued then SWEP should be called.
Homelessness charity St Mungo's will try to offer shelter to all people sleeping rough in Bournemouth, Christchurch or Poole by providing emergency accommodation.
To contact St Mungo’s about SWEP, email b&pstreetoutreach@mungos.org or call 01202 315 962. They have a 24-hour answerphone.