Summer heat: protecting yourself and cooling down

In short: In great heat high temperatures strain the circulation. Drinking a lot, avoiding midday heat, keeping living spaces cool and watching for warning signs protects against heat illness.

In more detail: Particularly at risk are older people, infants and small children, the chronically ill and people who work or exercise outdoors.

In Depth

• Drinking: Regularly through the day, even without thirst. Water, unsweetened tea, water-rich foods. See drinking.
• Activity: Shift exertion to the cool morning and evening hours, stay indoors or in shade during the midday heat.
• Cooling the home: Keep windows and shutters closed during the day (especially on the sunny side), air thoroughly at night and early morning. Use electrical devices and light sparingly, they produce heat.
• Clothing and sun protection: Light, pale, airy clothing, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen (sun protection).
• Food: Light meals, smaller portions, plenty of fruit and vegetables. Store food particularly carefully in heat (storing food).
• Never leave alone: Do not leave children, pets and people needing help in a parked car. A car heats up to life-threatening temperatures within minutes.
• Warning signs: Headache, dizziness, nausea, exhaustion, muscle cramps are early hints. Cool down, go into shade, drink.
• Emergency: Hot, dry, red skin, confusion, clouded consciousness or seizures indicate danger to life (heat stroke): call 112, bring the person to a cool place and cool externally.
• Technology: Protect computers and phones from direct sun and overheated cars (batteries).

See also: first aid

General information, not medical advice. For complaints or questions about your situation, talk to a doctor.