Heat stress in Germany has steadily increased in recent years. The number of "hot days" with a maximum temperature of 30 degrees Celsius or more has increased.

This entails health risks. Elderly or isolated people, the chronically ill and small children are particularly at risk. Increased sweating can lead to high fluid and electrolyte losses and ultimately to dehydration.

The cardiovascular system can also be overloaded by the demands of high heat transport.

When are we talking about heat?

The German Weather Service (DWD) describes weather conditions "characterized by high temperatures, unimpeded radiation, weak wind and partly by humid air (humidity)" as extreme heat.

They lead to a particularly strong feeling of heat in people, which is reflected in the "perceived temperature". From felt temperatures of 38 °C, the DWD speaks of extreme heat stress.

It is estimated that around 7,500 people died from heat-related effects during a heat wave in 2003, and 6,000 each in 2006 and 2015. It is therefore particularly important to pay attention to family members, friends and neighbors, who are among the most vulnerable groups, in the event of high heat stress.

Regular visits and phone calls can help to intervene in good time in the event of health problems.

There are some things you can do to prepare for the heat and protect yourself from the effects of the heat.

You can do that in advance

• Make sure you have sufficient supplies of drinks. Good thirst quenchers are mineral water (also against mineral loss through sweating), diluted juices and herbal or fruit tea - but not ice cold! Cool or lukewarm, they help the body deal with the heat better. It is better to avoid drinks containing alcohol or caffeine, as these put additional strain on the circulatory system.
• Heat-proof your home. Darken your rooms and provide shade on your balcony or terrace.
• If you are dependent on medication: Talk to your doctor! It may be useful to adjust the dosage when it is hot.

The heat is here - you can do that

• Wear loose, light and light-colored clothing and a hat when you are outdoors.
• Do you drink much! At least 1.5-2 liters per day. Create small reminders (e.g. put a full glass within sight, create a drinking plan together with the family doctor).
• Vegetables, salads and fruit rich in water are ideal when it is hot. Salty foods help compensate for mineral loss. Avoid hard-to-digest and high-fat dishes, which put additional strain on the body.

Tips when you are at home

• Ventilate preferably at cooler times of the day, for example early in the morning.
• Darken closed windows.
• To cool down, use cold foot baths, water spray bottles (clean regularly to prevent contamination), or cooling body lotions. Running wrists and forearms under cold water also has a soothing effect.
• Lukewarm showers! Cold showers make it difficult for the body to release heat. Paddling pools or other water games are suitable for children.
• Only wear light clothing and bed linen at night to avoid heat build-up.

Tips when you're on the go

• Don't forget sunscreen! Use products with at least a sun protection factor of 20, for small children sun protection factor 30. Apply cream regularly if you stay outdoors for a long time.
• Don't forget your hat! Parasols can also be helpful.
• Avoid blazing sun if possible, prefer shade.
• If possible, do physical activities such as shopping, walks and sports in the early morning or late evening hours.
• ATTENTION: Never leave people or animals alone in the hot car. The temperatures in a parked car very quickly rise well above the outside temperature level. There is danger to life!

First Aid Measures

• Do not carelessly pass by those in need of help - help!
• Put those in need of help in the shade.
• Loosen your clothes, offer something to drink.
• Call the emergency number 112 or use the nora app.

Bathing rules

With the persistently high temperatures, swimming areas and water bodies invite you to cool off everywhere. However, there are dangers, especially when bathing outside of swimming pools. It is therefore essential to observe the following safety instructions from the German Life Saving Society (DLRG):

• Only go swimming at guarded swimming areas and heed the warnings.
• Parents should never take their eyes off small children in and around the water and always keep them within reach.
• Critically assess one's own performance; don't get cocky.
• Never jump into uncharted waters. Only jump into the water at designated jump areas. Head dives in shore and shallow water areas can be life-threatening or result in severe, permanent damage.
• Air mattresses, inflatable boats and rubber animals can easily be carried away by currents.

How to avoid forest fires

With prolonged drought and high temperatures, the risk of forest fires increases rapidly. The German Weather Service (DWD) monitors the situation and creates a forest fire risk index.

• Do not throw cigarettes or other burning objects into nature - especially not from the vehicle! There is an embankment fire on motorways and other roads.
• Never leave vehicles with hot exhaust systems on dry fields or meadows. There is a risk of vegetation catching fire on it. In addition to all models with catalytic converters on the vehicle floor (many passenger cars with petrol engines), this will also affect more and more vehicles with the Euro VI emissions standard in the future. If these are switched to regeneration mode, very high temperatures can occur.
• Barbeque in nature only in designated areas. Respect prohibitions, for example in areas at risk of forest fires or through contact restrictions.
• Report fires or smoke development immediately by calling emergency number 112 or use the nora app. Prevent fires from spreading by trying to extinguish them yourself, as long as you do not endanger yourself.