Heat action plan in the Wetteraukreis: This is how we protect ourselves from the embers!

Heat action plan in the Wetteraukreis: This is how we protect ourselves from the embers!

heat waves will become more and more intensive in the future - and the challenges they bring with them can also be felt in the Wetteraukreis. Long, hot summer can lead to crop failures and affect people and animals. In order to counter the risk of increasing temperatures, the Wetteraukreis has decided on a comprehensive heat action plan. This aims to protect vulnerable groups such as children, pregnant women and those in need of care, since they are particularly at risk of suffering health damage from high temperatures. Dr. Alexander Jakob, chairman of the family doctor and general practitioner association Hessen, makes it clear that older and chronically ill people need special attention to prevent heat-related diseases.

The heat action plan comprises 27 pages that provide a variety of tips and recommendations to better survive the summer. This includes keeping the room temperature below 32 degrees during the day and at night below 24 degrees. In addition, citizens should be stimulated to look for protection outdoors, to wear loose clothing, put on headgear and drink regularly - preferably water, fruit juices or solutions containing electrolyte. Furthermore, the first countermeasures for heat -related diseases are documented.

protection for humans and animals

But the well -being of people is not the only goal of the plan. The needs of wild animals are also taken into account. Water points are set up to offer the animals in the heat a drink. In addition to the direct measures for the population and the wildlife, a digital "map of the cool places" is created. This should help to find cooling options in the Wetteraukreis quickly.

The heat action plan is not only a reaction to the current situation, but also a longer-term approach to react to climate change, which, according to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), will lead to an increase in heat in Germany in the coming decades. Cooperation between different ministries, authorities and institutions is seen as the key to effective heat protection. In this context, it is crucial that effective monitoring systems are provided in order to clarify the population in good time about risks and to develop appropriate measures.

Another central element of the strategy is to adapt urban development and planning to climatic conditions. The Wetteraukreis encourages the municipalities to develop innovative concepts that promote urban design and the city green to reduce the burden of heat.

Interested citizens can already be found the heat action plan online at Wetteraukreis.de/Hitzen experience the "map of the cool places".

As the developments in recent years show, the need for action is great and the corresponding measures are essential. Municipalities, counties and federal ministries are required to better prepare the population for heat waves. The Wetteraukreis has taken a valuable step in the right direction with its heat action plan.