Cooling down in the heat

Sunny days, light clothing and vacation feelings - summer - many people enjoy the summer. However, in recent years in particular, the hot season has also posed a number of health risks. Heat prevention becomes increasingly important when temperatures are high. Especially in cities, where concrete and asphalt surfaces heat up, it is particularly hot.

In order to protect yourself effectively from the heat, it is necessary to know when temperatures are rising. For this reason, it makes sense to follow the weather reports and heat warnings issued by the German Weather Service(www.dwd.de and (opens in a new tab) www.hitzewarnungen.d e) (opens in a new tab) in Offenbach.

Cross-ventilation in the morning and evening/night keeps the home cooler. During the day, rooms should be darkened as much as possible, if possible by using external shutters, blinds or shutters. Sport and physically strenuous activities in general should only be carried out in the morning or evening. Drinking plenty of fluids and eating a light diet with lots of vitamins, such as fruit, strengthens the circulation. Various apps or a set alarm clock can help you to remember this. It is just as helpful to stay in the shade. Long, airy clothing, sun cream (even in the shade) and headgear are effective against the sun's rays.

For people over the age of 65, heat can be extremely stressful from a perceived temperature of 32 degrees Celsius. Sick people and small children are also particularly at risk. Vomiting, headaches and circulatory problems can occur due to high temperatures. For this reason, it is particularly important that people at risk are especially attentive and cool down. For these people, the room temperature should not exceed 26 degrees Celsius.

Not only humans suffer from extreme heat conditions. Wild, domestic and farm animals are also affected. High temperatures can quickly become life-threatening for them too. For this reason, animals must not be left alone in vehicles. These quickly heat up to temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius and thus become a death trap. Even walks at midday can be dangerous for dogs. The four-legged friends can quickly burn their paws on the hot ground. A cool bath or lying on a wet towel can help them. All pets and stable animals need well-ventilated shady areas and plenty of water during the day.

Climate change means that days with extreme temperatures are becoming more frequent. In 2020, the city of Offenbach published the Heat Action Plan to protect itself and better recognize warning signs in others. This is intended to protect the population and prevent illnesses caused by UV rays and heat damage.

The City of Offenbach is also committed to mitigating the effects of the climate crisis and improving the quality of life. It therefore promotes measures on buildings in the areas of green roofs, façade greening, surface unsealing and cisterns. Funding of up to 10,000 euros per property is available.