Heat alarm in Hamburg: This is how the city stays cool and healthy!

Heat alarm in Hamburg: This is how the city stays cool and healthy!

Things will be hot in Hamburg on Sunday: citizens can expect temperatures of over 30 degrees. The Hanseatic city's social authorities have already raised their voices and warned about the health risks associated with these extreme temperatures. According to a study by the Helmholtz Center Munich, the consequences are serious: in the summer of 2022 there were up to 220 heat and sun-related deaths in Hamburg, and the trend is increasing. But what are the main risks? These include conjunctivitis, skin cancer and heat strokes, which particularly vulnerable groups such as older people, pregnant women and people with previous illnesses are warned about.

A look at the vulnerable group shows that it is not only older people and people with chronic illnesses who are affected. Infants and small children are also included, and financially weaker people who are exposed to high levels of heat often have a difficult time - be it through working outdoors or through overheated living spaces. And not to forget: homeless people who are often exposed to the heat without protection and have no access to cooler rooms or sufficient drinking water.

Active against the heat

The Hamburg social authority has therefore launched the campaign “When it’s hot, different rules apply”. This is intended to provide information about the effects of the heat and spread tips on how to cool down. Such information is not only displayed on posters, but also shared in subways, at the main train station and on social media.

Additionally, a digital map is provided showing shaded areas, water points and air-conditioned locations. Free water can be picked up at special locations - a good opportunity to refresh yourself both physically and mentally.

Prevention measures and heat protection

The health effects of the heat should not be underestimated. Studies show that climate change will lead to an increase in hot days in Germany in the coming decades. The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) is therefore not only calling for effective heat protection measures, but also for closer cooperation between various ministries and authorities in order to better protect the population. Preventive measures through local heat measures and action plans are of central importance.

Every municipality should be aware of its specific circumstances and develop tailor-made strategies. These can range from urban design and land-use planning measures to short-term actions to create more shade. Data comes from comprehensive recommendations that were developed by the federal and state governments in 2017.

The population is invited to actively react to the heat and provide themselves with information. If you have any questions, you can use the free telephone heat information service on 040/115 from Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. This way everyone stays well informed and can survive the heat successfully.

For further details on the current heat measures, please see the information at t-online.de, while comprehensive health information is available on the website Robert Koch Institute stand by. This explains further preventative measures Federal Ministry of Health.