Heat wave in Saarland: This is how we help the homeless at 39°C!

Heat wave in Saarland: This is how we help the homeless at 39°C!

The current weather forecasts are alarming: temperatures of up to 39°C are predicted in Saarland for the coming week. This poses a significant health risk, particularly for homeless people who often do not have access to cool and sheltered places. Diakonie Deutschland urgently warns of the life-threatening consequences of extreme weather and calls for immediate action from cities and municipalities. sr.de reports that ...

In an urgent appeal, Elke Ronneberger, Federal Director of Social Policy at Diakonie Deutschland, demands that municipalities urgently open air-conditioned public spaces such as district offices, libraries and museums to people at risk of heat. It is also suggested that temporary shade providers be installed in public parks and squares to create a place to retreat from the heat. Every move counts in meeting the needs of this vulnerable group. diakonie.de declares that ...

Necessary measures for those affected

The aid organizations are taking the situation seriously: in Völklingen, for example, caps and sun hats are being distributed to those in need. A water supply in the form of public drinking fountains is available at several locations in Saarbrücken, including the Staden, the castle and the Burbach community center. Other cities in Saarland such as St. Ingbert, Saarlouis and Neunkirchen also offer drinking water dispensers, while Die Diakonie in Völklingen not only provides a water dispenser, but also distributes donated stainless steel bottles.

The need to provide donations to charities is also important. We are looking for 0.5 liter PET drinking water bottles and fresh fruit for people in need. The request to address homeless people directly is particularly important in order to point out their water needs and the nearest shady places. And in the event of heat stroke, you should not hesitate to call 112.

The health risks

Globally, extreme heat is becoming an increasing threat to health. The Federal Environment Agency emphasizes that in recent years there has been an increase in “hot days”, i.e. temperatures above 30 °C, and “tropical nights”, which do not fall below 20 °C at night. These changes are directly linked to climate change and primarily affect vulnerable groups such as older people or people with underlying health conditions. umweltbundesamt.de shows that...

Extreme heat can have fatal consequences for affected people. In the hot summers of 2018 and 2019, around 15,600 people died due to heat-related complications in Germany alone. With the predicted increases in health burdens and heat-related mortality, it is clear that there is an urgent need for action in this regard.

It is a common concern of society to persevere and support those affected during this difficult time. Any support, whether through direct aid or material donations, can make a meaningful difference and help ensure no one is left behind in the heat.