Heat protection
Picture:
Thüringer Institut für Nachhaltigkeit und Klimaschutz GmbH
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Behavioural tips in hot weather
Digital heat warnings
The German Weather Service (DWD) issues early warnings of hot days via newsletter. The service is free to subscribe to and can also be used via app. The DWD issues a heat warning whenever severe heat is forecast and sufficient cooling of living spaces at night is no longer guaranteed. There are the following two levels:
- Heat warning for severe heat load - when the perceived temperature is above around 32 °C and there is also only a slight cooling at night
- Heat warning for extreme heat load - at a perceived temperature above 38 °C
Further information
- Avoid direct sunlight
- Avoid going out at the hottest time (in the afternoon)
- Postpone outdoor physical activity until the morning if possible
- Use sun cream (at least sun protection factor 20, for small children at least sun protection factor 30)
- If possible, wear headgear; parasols can also be helpful
- Drink at least three litres a day
- Don't wait until you are thirsty: Feeling thirsty is already a sign of a deficiency
- If possible, do not drink coffee, highly sweetened or alcoholic drinks
- Drinking fountains and shops or companies that offer free tap water refills
- Eat light meals, such as salads
- Eat smaller portions
- If possible, wear light-coloured, airy clothing and a hat
- Take a cool shower or bath, foot baths also help
- Use damp cloths to cool your skin
- Only ventilate when it is colder outside than inside: Make the most of cool mornings and evenings
- If possible, darken your home and avoid direct sunlight
- Hang wet or damp towels/cloths in passage doors or windows - they cool the air and therefore your home
Posters, flyers, stickers
- A0 poster: Don't give heat a chance
- "Heat can be deadly" poster
- Flyer "No jokes with heat"
- Checklist "Get through heatwaves well"
- Stickers for your rooms: "Heat warning"
A limited number of stickers are available from the Environment Agency. Simply send us an e-mail. - Flyer "Heat - prevention and self-help"
- Become a ReFill station and provide water free of charge
Further information
- Brochure "Climate change and health tips for summer heat and heatwaves"
- Brochure "Mastering climate change in a healthy way - cool tips for hot days"
- Brochure "The heat etiquette"
- Recommendations for hot summer days in workplaces
- Video Heatwaves: How our cities are arming themselves
- Video: Urban Heat Island effect explained
- Online course "Getting through the heatwaves well"
- Heat in Chemnitz - Specialist section on the heat action plan
