Heatwave: protecting yourself and others

The body keeps its internal temperature within a narrow range. When it gets too warm, it widens the blood vessels in the skin so heat can escape, and it sweats. Evaporating sweat is the most effective cooling we have. But it has limits: in high humidity sweat evaporates poorly, and if you drink too little, you eventually have less fluid to sweat with.

When cooling is no longer enough, body temperature rises. First, warning signs appear, such as heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea or muscle cramps. If the temperature keeps rising, heatstroke can develop – a life-threatening emergency in which confusion, altered consciousness or seizures can occur.

Several hot days in a row and warm nights are particularly stressful. At night the body normally recovers from the heat of the day. If it stays warm at night too, this break is missing, and the strain adds up from day to day.

Your home is your most important refuge. Keep windows closed during the day and shade them from outside if possible, because sunlight that has already come through the glass heats up the room. Ventilate at night and early in the morning, when the air outside is cooler. Spend time in the coolest room. A fan moves the air but does not cool it; in very great heat it is often not enough on its own.

Drink regularly throughout the day, even without thirst. Alcohol and very sugary drinks are not a good choice. Anyone who may only drink a certain amount because of an illness should clarify this with their doctor – there is no single fluid amount for everyone. Move sport and heavy work to the cooler morning or evening hours and wear light, light-coloured clothing and a hat.

Cool showers, damp cloths on the neck and cool foot baths help the body get rid of heat. If your own home becomes too hot, cool public places can be a refuge – ask your municipality whether such options exist.

With warning signs such as dizziness, weakness, nausea or cramps: go to a cool room, rest and drink. If it gets worse or does not improve, get medical help. At signs of heatstroke – high body temperature, confusion, altered consciousness, seizures or unconsciousness – call the local emergency number (112 in the EU) immediately, move the person into shade or a cool room and stay with them until help arrives.

A parked car heats up very quickly in the sun, because light comes in through the windows and the heat stays trapped inside. A window opened a crack changes little. Children, people in need of care and animals must therefore never stay in the vehicle, not even “just for a moment”.

Some medications affect how the body deals with heat or fluids. But never stop medication on your own; talk to a doctor or pharmacist about it before summer. That way you know what to watch for before the heat arrives.

The older neighbour who lives alone is a classic example of a hidden risk. Older people often feel thirst and heat less, may open their windows during the day or hesitate to ask for help. A daily visit or call can truly save lives here. Ask whether there is enough to drink and whether the flat is very hot.

Small children cannot protect themselves and often keep playing although they are already far too hot. Pay attention to shade, a sun hat, breaks and drinks. Pets also need shade and fresh water; dog walks belong in the cool hours, because hot asphalt can injure paws.

A power cut during a heatwave is also possible. Then fans and air conditioning stop working. All the more important are the simple measures that work without electricity: shading, ventilating at night, cool water and rest.