Another scorcher on the horizon today.
In the face of increasingly frequent heatwaves, German cities are taking steps to ensure the safety and wellbeing of their most vulnerable residents - the homeless population. According to the managing director of the German Association of Cities, both the federal government and the states can agree on concrete measures for heat protection.
The primary focus of these measures is to provide accessible cool and safe spaces, hydration, and medical support for homeless individuals during extreme heat. While specific measures for Germany may not be explicitly listed, recommendations are based on public health and social care practices.
One such recommendation is the opening of cooling centers or sheltered public buildings with air conditioning, where homeless individuals can find refuge from the heat. Distributing water and electrolyte drinks to prevent dehydration is another crucial strategy. Increasing outreach efforts by social workers or volunteers to locate and assist homeless people, offering transportation to cooling centers or shelters, is also essential.
Information campaigns about heat risks and symptoms of heat-related illnesses tailored for vulnerable groups are necessary to raise awareness. Enhancing emergency medical services to promptly address heat exhaustion or heatstroke cases among the homeless is equally important. Temporary expansion of emergency shelter capacity can help reduce exposure during heatwaves.
Cities can also take proactive measures to prevent cities from overheating. This includes increasing the number of shade-providing trees, green facades, and roofs, and green corridors.
The president of the DRK has highlighted the lack of protected retreat spaces and access to drinking water for homeless people during hot days. Eva Welskop-Deffaa, the president of the German Caritas Association, emphasized the need for social empathy towards homeless people during these times. She warned against demands for the expulsion of homeless people from city areas gaining traction, as seen in the USA.
The German Association of Cities hopes for more attention to heat protection for homeless people in the National Action Plan on Homelessness. Providing water, sunscreen, and sun shades for homeless people at some locations during hot days is another practical measure cities can implement. Furthermore, the need for sufficient and heat-resistant emergency shelters for homeless people in the summer has been suggested.
Cities can ensure sufficient drinking water points for homeless people during hot days, and providing shady places at easily accessible locations is another commendable initiative. As cities continue to adapt to climate change, prioritizing the needs of vulnerable populations like the homeless during heatwaves will become increasingly important.
- To safeguard the health of homeless individuals during heatwaves, cities are considering opening cooling centers and distributing water and electrolyte drinks, in line with public health and social care practices.
- As cities aim to prevent overheating, strategies include increasing the number of shade-providing trees and promoting the creation of green spaces, ensuring a more comfortable environment for all, including the homeless population.
