Hot days in the north: heat-free for students? This is how schools react!

Hot days in the north: heat-free for students? This is how schools react!

Heat wave in northern Germany: Temperatures over 30 degrees Celsius are expected from the middle of the week. This not only ensures happy faces among the students who are hoping to be free from the heat. However, there are no uniform regulations for heat-free in the northern German federal states. The decision lies in the hands of the respective school management, who must take local circumstances into account. Like that daily newspaper reports, in Hamburg, for example, there is no central regulation that does justice to the different conditions of schools.

If the temperatures in the classroom are above 26 degrees Celsius, the authorities recommend initial protective measures, although these must be taken from 30 degrees Celsius. It is usually not possible to stop lessons in time from the first lesson onwards, and younger children often receive emergency care. The situation is similar in Schleswig-Holstein and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. In principle, lessons should continue, even if clear temperatures for the decision on heat-free are not specified.

Health risks and protective measures

The rising temperatures are not only an issue for schools, but also affect employees. Employers are obliged to ensure a room temperature that is conducive to health. At temperatures above 35 degrees Celsius, rooms without protective measures are no longer suitable as work spaces. This makes it clear that a hot summer can bring not only joy but also serious health challenges.

Last summer, for example, around 9,100 people died in Germany as a result of extreme heat, which exceeds the deaths from traffic accidents and drug use combined ZDF today. Older people and people with previous illnesses are particularly at risk. They often have difficulty adapting to high temperatures. Things become critical when the symptoms of heat injury manifest themselves, such as nausea, headaches or even impaired consciousness. Anyone who ignores the warning signs runs the risk of becoming seriously ill.

Tips for cooling down and recommendations for action

Experts advise taking good care of yourself during the heat wave. This includes regular fluid intake of 2 to 3 liters of water daily. It also helps to avoid physical exertion during the hottest hours of the day. Cooling measures such as lukewarm showers or damp cloths can work wonders. Proper ventilation of the living spaces is also important - more on this in a separate article. Information and health advice are essential for high-risk patients, so News.de.

Leisure activities can also be helpful in this regard. Many people look for holiday fun in the nearby swimming pools, air-conditioned cinemas or animal parks. When choosing food, it also makes sense to focus on foods that are easy to digest and rich in water, such as watermelons and cucumbers. It is particularly important to protect children and pets, as little ones and four-legged friends can suffer particularly from extreme heat.

With the hot summer approaching, the challenge will be great, both in everyday life and in leisure time. By adapting well to the heat and following the recommended protective measures, we can mitigate some of the risks and enjoy the warm days to the fullest.