Heat – protecting yourself and others
Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and longer. For most people they are unpleasant – for some they are dangerous. According to the BBK, older people, people in need of care, the chronically ill, children and pregnant women are most at risk.
Most important: drink
Drink at least 1.5 to 2 litres a day, preferably cool or lukewarm rather than ice-cold. Water, juice spritzers and herbal or fruit tea are good. Better avoid caffeine and alcohol.
If you take medication regularly, ask your doctor early whether the dose needs adjusting in hot weather.
Keeping your home cool
- Air the rooms in the cool morning and night hours.
- Keep windows closed and darkened during the day.
- Take lukewarm showers, put your feet in cold water or hold your wrists under cold water.
Outdoors
- Do strenuous things early in the morning or late in the evening.
- Avoid the midday sun, stay in the shade, cover your head, use sunscreen.
- Wear light, loose clothing.
- Never leave people or animals in a car – not even briefly. It is life-threatening.
Think of others
Call or visit older neighbours and relatives who live alone regularly. That way problems are noticed early.
Recognising heatstroke
Warning signs according to the German Red Cross: high body temperature, hot and dry skin, fast pulse, exhaustion, cramps, vomiting, dizziness or confusion.
- Move the person into the shade at once and raise their upper body.
- Call the emergency number – 144 in Austria, 112 in Germany.
- Cool with damp cloths, especially head and neck. No ice directly on the skin.
- Only if the person is fully awake: give water or diluted juice.
- Unconscious but breathing normally: recovery position.
Advice by phone in Austria
The heat hotline 0800 880 800 is free and answers questions about coping with heat. It is not an emergency number: for medical questions call 1450, in an emergency 144.