Frankfurt starts heated warning campaign – health protection for everyone!

Frankfurt starts heated warning campaign – health protection for everyone!

A groundbreaking pilot project is being launched in Frankfurt am Main this heat season to better inform the population about extreme temperatures. In collaboration with Ströer, the health department has developed a concept that will initially be used in around 100 digital city information systems. These systems are not only intended to provide current news, but also to react specifically to weather warnings, such as rheinmainverlag.de reported. What's special about this initiative: For the first time in Germany, an urban campaign will be played out programmatically in real time via an ad server, depending on the respective weather forecast.

“We want to actively inform people and give them tips on how to behave, especially in relation to heat,” says Dr. Peter Tinnemann, head of the health department. Particularly vulnerable groups such as older people, children or people with limited health should be given the best possible protection. This information is provided in a dynamic system that works daily in real time.

Heat waves and their consequences

The challenges posed by rising temperatures are noticeable not only in Frankfurt, but throughout Germany. According to the Federal Environment Agency, the number of heat waves in Germany has increased due to climate change. The risk of health problems increasing due to the heat is real. Vulnerable groups in particular are at risk Federal Environment Agency. Eight of the 10 warmest summers since 1881 have been recorded in the last 30 years, and expert forecasts suggest the number of heatwaves could potentially quadruple by the end of the century.

As part of this problem, the federal government has already initiated several measures to combat heat-related health risks. The Climate Adaptation Act, which has been in force since July 1, 2024, is intended to optimize the conditions for heat-related precautionary measures and strengthens the importance of local climate adaptation concepts. Cities and municipalities are expected to develop their own heat action plans in order to better protect the population. This has already been made possible by recommendations for action that were created based on WHO guidelines, such as this Federal Ministry of Health communicates.

Educational work and citizen information

In addition, various preventive measures are pointed out. For example, information is provided through information packages on heat protection that are sent to mayors. Cities such as Mannheim and Dortmund are already successfully implementing their own heat action plans. The action day for heat protection on June 5, 2024 is also intended to raise awareness among the population about the dangers of heat.

Many federal states and cities have currently begun to develop sustainable heat protection strategies. These measures range from creating more urban greenery and shade to structural concepts and specific courses of action in health and care facilities. However, the challenge of actually implementing such plans remains, as does the need for long-term funding to support these measures.

Efforts to raise awareness about health during extreme heatwaves are more important than ever. As temperatures continue to rise, it is crucial to make informed decisions and prepare preemptively for the heat season.