World: Heat Action Day 2026: Taking on the dangers of indoor heat | IFRC

Countries: World, United Republic of Tanzania

Source: International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

At a school on the Unguja Island, part of the Tanzanian archipelago known as Zanzibar, volunteers from the Tanzania Red Cross Society explain to a classroom full of students how to protect themselves from the dangers of extreme heat.

The volunteers’ efforts were part of a larger heatwave awareness campaign in early 2026, led by the Tanzanian Red Cross, that has reached more than 4,000 people in schools, madrasas, markets, and communities around the island.

This is just one of many ways Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies around the world regularly work to protect people from the dangers of extreme heat – including the very particular dangers of indoor heat.

Why focus on indoor heat?

When thinking about or preparing for heatwaves, people often think of blistering days outside in the hot sun. But people living or working indoors, in uncooled or poorly ventilated spaces, can sometimes be at even greater risk of heat stroke, dehydration and other heat-related risks.

Those most susceptible to rising body temperatures — children and the elderly — are particularly vulnerable and, often, they must spend long periods of the day inside.

These are some of the reasons Heat Action Day 2026 focuses on ‘indoor heat’ — putting the spotlight on the health risks people face inside their homes, schools, workplaces, care facilities, transport hubs, prisons and even public vechiles such as busses and taxis. (Learn more about how to #BeatTheHeat and about how to take part in Heat Action Day 2026.)

This threat is nothing new to Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers who often go door-to-door during heatwaves, visiting people who live in densely populated urban neighborhoods, work in poorly insulated industrial areas, or live in camps for people displaced by emergencies.

Very often, such facilities or temporary shelters lack insulation or access to energy or water sources that can help keep people cool. Building materials, design characteristics, and urban heat island all play a role in determining indoor temperatures.

Rising risks

Without respite and access to cooling, high day- and night-time indoor temperatures pose significant health risks, particularly for older people and those with pre-existing medical conditions. Beyond heat stroke, high temperatures can have a wide range of health effects.

According to a 2020 study, for example, high indoor temperatures affect multiple aspects of human health, with the strongest evidence for respiratory health, diabetes management and core schizophrenia and dementia symptoms, according to one 2020 study.

Other studies show that prolonged exposure to high indoor temperatures is also responsible for sleep disturbances, cognitive impairment of workers, reduced learning uptake in students, and domestic violence.

More research needs to be done, however, so policy makers, urban planners and architects can better understand how to reduce extreme urban heat. At the same time, building standards and indoor heat policies need urgent updates. In many places, indoor heat standards do not exist, or they overlook vulnerable populations and climate projections.

The good news is that it is possible to improve the way buildings and public spaces are designed and constructed to better protect people living and working indoors. Meanwhile, more governments, agencies and communities are taking action. For example: painting roofs white, keeping windows covered during the hottest times of day, and using passive cooling at night when temperatures outside cool down.

There are also many low-cost actions one can take to cool the body: a cool shower, submerging feet in cool water, self-dousing with water, using an evaporative cooler or misting fan, ingesting cold water, wearing clothing made from natural fibres, and sleeping with a wet sheet, among other measures.

As part of its 2026 Heat Action Day activation, the IFRC also encourages people to proactively reach out to support the elderly and chronically ill during times of extreme heat, especially those with limited mobility who may need help getting to a cooler space.

How can you take part in Heat Action Day?

As the organization that created Heat Action Day, the IFRC each year encourages more and more activities to raise awareness and encourage people to take concrete action to prevent heat related illness and death.

Whether you're sharing life-saving tips on social media or organizing a community event, there are many ways to get involved and help #BeatTheHeat. Learn more here and

register to participate and create your own Heat Action Day event or activity ...