Heat can cause sunstroke, cramps, exhaustion and heatstroke. Older people, the sick, children and outdoor workers are most at risk. Warnings are issued by DHMZ.
At home
- Drink all the time, not only when you're thirsty: water or low-calorie drinks without caffeine, alcohol or sugar.
- Eat several small meals with fruit and vegetables, light food, nothing greasy or very spicy.
- At night and early in the morning open the windows and raise the blinds. In the day close them, especially on the sunny side, and switch off the lights.
- Set the air conditioning about 7 °C below the outside temperature, with windows and doors shut. Keep the room below 32 °C in the day and below 24 °C at night.
- Stay in the coolest room. Take lukewarm showers or use cold compresses.
- Avoid heavy physical effort and appliances that heat the room.
Outside
- Stay in between 10:00 and 17:00 if you can.
- Wear light, pale clothes, a hat and sunglasses. Walk in the shade and carry water.
- If you work or train outside: more breaks in the shade, and a glass and a half of fluid every 30 minutes.
- Never leave children or animals alone in the sun or in a car.
If someone is unwell
- Move them into the shade or a cool room, open windows and doors to get air moving.
- Loosen their clothes and cool them with compresses. If they're conscious, give them water.
- Call 194 or 112.
- If you take medicines and feel unwell in the heat or have unusual symptoms, contact emergency services, your doctor or a pharmacist.
- Check on older neighbours and relatives.