27 April 2023
UKHSA published the Adverse Weather and Health Plan
The UK Health Security Agency published the Adverse Weather and Health Plan on 27 April 2023, a national framework covering the health effects of flooding and other severe weather.
2023 news
We cover news from public bodies and utility companies for UK households on power cuts, weather, water, health, safety and security. Each report includes the date and sources, with links to our guides.
April 2023
27 April 2023
Gas Distribution Networks launch Game Over campaign targeting young people on carbon monoxide
The UK's gas distribution networks have launched a campaign aimed at 16 to 24-year-olds to raise awareness of carbon monoxide and encourage alarm ownership and annual servicing.
23 April 2023
UK-wide test of Emergency Alerts system scheduled for 3pm on Sunday 23 April
The Cabinet Office has set 3pm on Sunday 23 April for a UK-wide test of the Emergency Alerts system, sending a siren-like message to 4G and 5G phones for up to ten seconds.
23 April 2023
UK-wide test of the Emergency Alerts service
A UK-wide test of the Emergency Alerts service was sent to phones in England, Northern Ireland and Scotland on 23 April 2023, with a separate Welsh-language test sent to Wales.
19 April 2023
Extreme wildfire risk warning issued for Central and Southern Scotland
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has warned of an extreme risk of wildfire across Central and Southern Scotland from 19 to 21 April 2023, with a very high risk in the North.
18 April 2023
Product recall issued for Multi-Function Jump Starter JX27
The Office for Product Safety and Standards has recalled a High-Power multi-function jump starter, model JX27 with AC adapter HR-1501000, sold between May 2021 and August 2022, because it presents a…
17 April 2023
Norovirus guidance leaflet updated
The UK Health Security Agency updated its norovirus guidance on 17 April 2023, setting out how the winter vomiting bug spreads and the hygiene measures it says stop it passing between people.
12 April 2023
UK Emergency Alerts system goes live
The UK government's Emergency Alerts system went live on 12 April 2023, sending siren-like messages to compatible mobile phones when lives are in danger, with a national test set for Sunday 23 April…
12 April 2023
Strong winds forecast across central southern England
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks has enacted resilience plans ahead of strong winds across central southern England on Wednesday 12 April, with gusts forecast to reach 55mph inland and 60mph…
9 April 2023
NHS warns of unparalleled disruption during next round of strikes
NHS England's national medical director has warned that the next round of strikes will cause unparalleled disruption, with hundreds of thousands more appointments postponed on top of over 285,000…
3 April 2023
Online Home Shop electric heated blankets recalled over fire risk
Online Home Shop has recalled two electric heated blankets sold between September 2022 and January 2023 after they were found to present a serious risk of fire and possible electric shock.
1 April 2023
First national test of Emergency Alerts system held
The UK held its first national test of the Emergency Alerts system in April 2023, sending a siren-like message to compatible phones across the country to check the system works.
1 April 2023
First national test of the emergency alerts system held
The first national test of the UK emergency alerts system took place in April 2023, with the government saying some phones did not sound and tracing the problem to specific networks.
1 April 2023
1,140 accidental electrical fires involving white goods recorded in England in 2023/24
Electrical Safety First analysis of Home Office fire data records 1,140 accidental electrical fires involving white goods in England in 2023/24, about three a day, with more than half of fire and…
1 April 2023
Adverse Weather and Health Plan first published
The UK Health Security Agency first published the Adverse Weather and Health Plan in April 2023, bringing together England's heat and cold weather guidance under a single plan with colour coded health…
March 2023
28 March 2023
NHS relaunches Act F.A.S.T. stroke awareness campaign
NHS England has relaunched its Act F.A.S.T.
27 March 2023
HSIB publishes independent investigation into death of a three-year-old who swallowed a button battery
The Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch has published its independent investigation into the death of a three-year-old who swallowed a button battery, with recommendations on public awareness,…
27 March 2023
CAPT, OPSS and BIPBA launch national button battery safety campaign
The Child Accident Prevention Trust, the Office for Product Safety and Standards and the British and Irish Portable Battery Association have launched a national button battery safety campaign, with a…
27 March 2023
Ring RPPL360 jump starter recalled over fire risk
The Office for Product Safety and Standards has recalled the Ring RPPL360 Fast Charge Lithium Jump Starter from end users after a manufacturing fault was found that can cause a short circuit and a…
22 March 2023
Neutral fault affects around 500 homes in Grimsby
A neutral fault on Northern Powergrid's network in Grimsby at 02:40 on 22 March 2023 supplied up to 415 Volts to outlets in around 500 homes across 20 streets, damaging electrics and appliances.