Extreme Heat Waves Sweep Across Berlin and Brandenburg, With High UV Risks - Intense Heat Waves in Berlin and Brandenburg, with Elevated UV Levels
## Heatwave Advisory in Berlin and Brandenburg: Essential Protection Measures and School Guidelines
As temperatures in Berlin and Brandenburg soar, reaching an anticipated 37 to 39 degrees Celsius tomorrow, residents and school authorities are urged to take necessary precautions to combat the heatwave and high UV radiation.
### UV and Heat Protection Measures
To minimize the risks associated with the extreme heat and high UV index, it is essential to follow these recommended measures:
1. **Stay in Shade:** Seek shade during peak UV hours (typically between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.) to minimize direct sun exposure. 2. **Wear Protective Clothing:** Use hats, long-sleeved shirts, sunglasses with UV protection, and wide-brimmed hats to shield from the sun. 3. **Apply Sunscreen:** Use broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher), reapplying every two hours and after swimming or sweating. 4. **Hydration:** Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration, especially during heatwaves. 5. **Limit Outdoor Activities:** Avoid strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day. 6. **Infrastructure Adjustments:** Use blinds, shutters, or UV-protective films on windows to reduce indoor heat and UV exposure.
### Handling of Heat-Free Days in Schools
While a uniform policy for "heat-free days" (Hitzefrei) in Berlin and Brandenburg schools is not specified, schools may implement the following measures during heatwaves:
- **Shortened Hours:** Lessons may end earlier to allow students to avoid the hottest part of the day. - **Alternate Activities:** Outdoor physical education or activities may be replaced with indoor alternatives. - **Ventilation and Shading:** Schools are encouraged to use fans, open windows at night, and close blinds during the day to keep classrooms cool. - **Water Breaks:** Encourage frequent water breaks for students.
It is crucial to stay updated on school schedules during heatwaves by checking local news or school communications.
### Water Conservation and Tree Care
In light of the current heat and drought, residents are being asked to help water young trees, ideally in the morning or evening, one to two times a week. However, over-watering should be avoided, as it can lead to fine roots remaining in the upper area and not developing properly.
Some districts, such as Pankow, are watering young trees daily, but caution against over-watering. To save fresh drinking water, organisations like BUND Berlin recommend using public hand pumps or collecting gray water for watering trees.
### Homeless Support
During the hot season, homeless individuals may require additional assistance. The Senate administration has urged residents to address such persons and, if necessary, to call the help hotline.
As the temperature continues to rise, it is essential for everyone to take the necessary precautions to stay safe and healthy during this heatwave. Stay informed, stay hydrated, and seek shade whenever possible.
- The community should follow science-based policies, such as those related to health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise, and environmental-science, when implementing heat wave precautions.
- In addition to the essential protection measures, it's advisable to consider climate-change consequences, like increased UV radiation and higher temperatures, when formulating a community policy during a heatwave.
- Besides personal skincare during a heatwave, paying attention to nutrition is crucial for maintaining overall health and well-being.
- As temperatures soar, it is also important to be mindful of the weather and its impact on the environment, such as potential droughts and their effect on trees and other vegetation.
