Heat action plan Kirchheim: Protection for pupils and seniors in focus!

Heat action plan Kirchheim: Protection for pupils and seniors in focus!

In Kirchheim unter Teck, a heat action plan is currently being developed to better prepare the population for the challenges of heat waves. The opening workshop took place on July 8, in which around 15 employees of the city administration and external specialists from the GbR GbR from Stuttgart came together. The aim is to develop the foundations for a mature municipal approach to health burdens from heat, because a noticeable increase in cool hot days has been recorded in the city in recent years.

In the periods from 1961 to 1990, there were an average of about 7 hot days a year, but between 1991 and 2020 this number has already more than doubled to 14 days. The data from last year document in Kirchheim 22 days when the temperature exceeded 30 degrees Celsius. These are alarming signs that have also persuaded the local council to create the political framework for the development of the heat action plan.

endangered groups in focus

Important discussion points during the workshop were the identification of highly exposed personnel groups. Above all, four target groups emerged: children, elderly people, health -prayed people and those who work outdoors or do sports. A unanimous result of the session was the conviction that there is an urgent need for action, especially in schools and day care centers. There are many measures: from structural changes to organizational approaches to targeted educational campaigns.

The initiative to raise awareness of the health risks of heat is supported by 87 institutions and associations and pursues the goal of better understanding the health effects of heat and developing preventive protective measures. The initiative is worn by the Federal Medical Association and the Climate Alliance Germany. The medical and social institutions are required to promote the formation of consciousness among the population, because many do not know how they can protect themselves in extreme heat.

comprehensive measures for the future

In order to create an effective heat action plan, the specific local conditions must be carefully taken into account. Recommendations of the Federal Government on municipal heat action plans from 2017 include not only the need for city green and shading measures, but also concepts that the cityscape can fundamentally change in order to counteract the heat. Important elements are, for example, information campaigns and the implementation of specific actions in health and care facilities.

The facts are clear: the health risks due to heat are real and the community must now be traded. Further meetings for the continuation of the exchange are planned to actively integrate the population and representatives of interests and to develop concrete, implementable measures. If you are becoming active quickly, you can help Kirchheim under Teck continue to stay a pleasant place of residence in the future.

The city of Kirchheim Unter Teck reports on the opening workshop and the important steps to develop a heat action plan. In addition, Helmholtz Munich about the seniors and children as endangered groups and the objective of the initiative. A look at the Website of the Federal Ministry of Health provides interesting information about the nationwide developments and the importance of municipal heat action plans.