Dealing with heat

The thermometer in German cities is increasingly cracking the 30 degree mark and even rising to temperatures just below 40 degrees Celsius. On these pages you can see what you can do for yourself and the people around you to defy the next heatwave. And also what the city of Offenbach is planning with its climate adaptation concept in order to be prepared for the effects of climate change.

Important links

Environment & Climate
Heat action plan
The Heat Action Plan - HAP for short - aims to prevent illnesses caused by UV rays and heat damage to people.

The most important tips in hot weather

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Tips for protecting your health in hot weather

Drink plenty of water or lukewarm tea. Avoid alcohol.
Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables. This will also keep you hydrated.
Avoid spending long periods in direct sunlight and seek shade.
Wear light clothing and a hat.
Always apply sun cream to areas of your body that are not covered.
Do physically strenuous activities and sports in the morning or evening.
Darken the windows during the day (ideally using external options such as shutters or awnings).
Ventilate early in the morning and late in the evening and keep the windows closed during the day to prevent warm air from entering the room.
Help each other, for example by offering to do the shopping for other people who are suffering more from the heat.

Heat protection - for animals too

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Do not leave pets in the car - temperatures can easily rise to over 40 degrees, which can lead to fatal heatstroke.
Take dogs for a walk in the early hours of the morning or in the evening when it has cooled down. By then, the asphalt will have cooled down and can no longer cause injuries to paws.
For grazing animals such as horses, cattle, sheep and pigs, but also rabbits in the garden, sufficiently large and well-ventilated shady areas are important. It is best if the animals are not outside during the day.
Animals should also be moved in the morning or evening hours.
Cold-water fish such as goldfish are robust and easy to care for, but at water temperatures above 20 degrees it becomes critical for them too. Pond owners should therefore keep an eye on the temperature and, if necessary, add fresh water and use an aeration pump to ensure sufficient oxygen in the water.
In the heat, everyone is happy to have water, including feathered friends, busy bees and anyone out and about in the garden. A shallow bowl of fresh water in a shady spot provides water for birds, while a small, wedge-shaped stone protruding from the bowl is recommended for bumblebees, bees and butterflies.
Also important to know: The water bowls must be cleaned daily with hot water to prevent pathogens from multiplying.

Water and drinking stations

Public drinking water dispensers

You can drink or tap drinking water free of charge at the following public drinking water dispensers in the city:

At Marktplatz at the address Marktplatz 1 and near the fountain (not at Wilhelmsplatz)
In Dreieichpark on the path at the address Parkstraße 35

Refill stations

Various locations in the city are also taking part in "Refill". You can get free tap water there during the respective opening hours (also to fill up your own bottle).

Search for refill stations near you now (opens in a new tab)

The city of Offenbach is not responsible for ensuring that the information is up to date.

Public toilets in the city of Offenbach

List of public toilets in Offenbach

Climate change and the heat island effect

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Health hazards in the heat

When heat records are reported again in Germany, these are individual weather phenomena. However, long-term climatic changes are more relevant for humans and animals. To this end, scientists consult a wide range of weather data as well as other information. Two main reasons are known for the trend towards increasingly hotter days with less and less precipitation over the year.

Climate change, caused in part by the emission of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, is leading to higher average annual temperatures. In Central Europe, high-pressure areas are expected to linger longer, bringing heat from the equator to Germany. The heat island effect contributes in particular to the warming of cities. The many buildings, squares and streets of a city heat up more than their green surroundings and store this heat well into the night. Tropical nights with temperatures above 20 degrees Celsius are the result and prevent people and animals from getting a good night's sleep.