The first hot days of the year, with temperatures exceeding 30°C, are expected this coming weekend. Older people, babies and young children, pregnant women and people with chronic illnesses are particularly at risk from the heat.
The Chemnitz City Health and Prevention Office and the Environment Office have issued advice on how to protect yourself on hot days:
- Avoid direct sunlight and the hottest part of the day (the afternoon). Physical activity should take place mainly in the early morning.
- Make sure you drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids. Drink regularly, and do so before you feel thirsty. Opt for light meals.
- When outdoors, wear loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing and a hat.
- A cool shower or even cold arm and foot baths can also provide relief.
- Cool places also include shaded parks, churches or air-conditioned spaces such as museums or shopping centres.
- Never leave your child or pet alone in a parked car.
- Keep your home as cool as possible: the most effective measure is to shade the windows from the outside, for example with roller shutters or awnings. You should ventilate the room as much as possible, particularly at night or in the early hours of the morning when outside temperatures are lower.
- Sun protection: As well as the heat, it is particularly important to protect your face, ears and neck from UV radiation. We recommend light clothing, a hat, sun cream with a sufficient sun protection factor and sunglasses. Sun cream must be reapplied after swimming, and also after sweating.
To quench your thirst, you can use the public drinking fountains in the city of Chemnitz. The ‘Coole Stadtplan’ provides a quick overview of places to drink, such as drinking fountains and refill stations, as well as places to cool down.