Alcoy has introduced a new summer heatwave protocol that will give residents free access to municipal swimming pools and public buses whenever extreme heat reaches the highest health alert level.
The plan forms part of the town’s wider emergency strategy. It also covers severe weather, including storms and high winds. Above all, it aims to reduce health risks during periods of extreme heat.
Free buses and swimming pools
When health authorities issue a red heat alert, Alcoy Council will activate its full emergency response.
Residents will be able to use municipal swimming pools free of charge. They will also travel on all urban bus services at no cost, making it easier to reach cooler parts of the town.
At the same time, schools will move activities indoors wherever possible. If conditions become too dangerous, they may cancel activities altogether.
The council will also advise people to stay indoors during the hottest part of the day. Residents should keep shutters and windows closed to help cool their homes and spend time in air-conditioned buildings whenever possible.
Action starts before the hottest weather arrives
The protocol also includes measures for orange alert days, when the health risk is high but not yet at its most serious.
Schools should keep activities indoors where possible. People should also avoid strenuous outdoor exercise. In addition, families should pay particular attention to older relatives, young children and anyone with long-term health conditions.
Officials are also urging residents to stay hydrated and avoid unnecessary exposure to the midday sun.
Health alerts, not weather warnings
The council has stressed that the protocol is based on health risks rather than temperature alone.
Valencian health authorities issue the alerts using criteria set by Spain’s Ministry of Health. AEMET weather warnings do not determine the system.
Residents can check the Ministry’s interactive risk maps to see the current alert level in their area.
Climate refuges available across Alcoy
Several municipal buildings will serve as climate refuges throughout the summer.
The Centre Cervantes Jove (CCJ) will open daily from 08:00 to 20:00. Meanwhile, the Àgora building will welcome visitors from 09:00 to 14:00.
The council will also use its official WhatsApp and Telegram channels to keep residents informed whenever heat alerts are issued.
Emergency Climate councillor Raül Llopis said the protocol offers practical measures to protect residents during periods of intense heat. Meanwhile, Health councillor Carles Sansalvador said the initiative puts public health at the heart of the council’s response to increasingly frequent heatwaves.
