Heat wave threatens children and seniors: This is how schools in BW protect themselves!

Heat wave threatens children and seniors: This is how schools in BW protect themselves!

The summer heat in Germany poses a serious threat, especially to certain population groups. According to tagesschau.de Small children, school children, older people and the homeless are particularly affected. High temperatures, inadequate fluid intake and strong UV exposure can lead to serious health problems such as sunburn, sunstroke or even heat stroke. The German Medical Association therefore urgently warns against underestimating the health consequences of heat waves.

Medical President Klaus Reinhardt demands that binding plans to protect vulnerable groups are urgently needed. These groups include not only older people, but also people with previous illnesses, pregnant women and socially isolated people. The Baden-Württemberg Philology Association has already called for measures to better protect teachers and students in overheated classrooms.

Heat protection measures

In order to improve the situation in schools and daycare centers, the Ministry of Culture is proposing several effective measures. This includes controlling sun protection, cooling at night, providing drinking water and table fans as well as ventilation in the early morning hours. Relaxation of clothing rules and specified cooling down periods also encourage implementation.

However, there is no solution specifically tailored to the needs of the daycare centers. The carriers often do not have the financial means to carry out the necessary retrofitting. In Stuttgart, a model heat protection plan was developed as a pioneer that offers clear guidelines for cooling down and health precautions. Prime Minister Winfried Kretschmann emphasizes the need for continuous adaptation to climate change, but specific funds for emergency measures are not yet available.

Sensitive groups and their support

The health risks in extreme heat are enormous. In the summers of 2023 and 2024 died loudly swr.de An estimated 3,100 and 2,800 people in Germany suffer from the effects of heat. Vulnerable groups are particularly affected, including the approximately 93,000 homeless people in Baden-Württemberg, a number that is potentially higher. The social association VdK criticizes the inadequate preparation of nursing facilities for extreme heat and urgently calls for structural improvements and training for nursing staff.

In addition, cities like Karlsruhe and Stuttgart are planning specific heat action plans to reduce temperatures in schools and daycare centers. The state government's recommendations include drinking enough fluids, darkening rooms during the hot hours of the day and shifting activities to the cooler morning and evening hours. A DRK heat bus in Stuttgart and Freiburg supplies homeless people with drinking water and sun protection.

Long-term perspectives

Rising temperatures and more frequent heat waves are not just a temporary phenomenon, but will increase in the coming decades due to climate change, according to the Robert Koch Institute. At temperatures above 30 degrees, the risk of heat injuries in children requiring treatment increases sevenfold. Given these worrying developments, it is necessary to take preventative measures and open the doors to a broad conversation about heat protection. Close cooperation between ministries, authorities and institutions is essential in order to specifically raise awareness and support the population.

It is therefore important to act now and take the necessary steps. Be it in daycare centers, schools or care facilities – protection from heat is a common project that affects us all and must be worked on together.