Heat and health

Extreme heat affects our bodies and our well-being. To stay healthy, it is important to protect yourself and others from the heat. Older people, children and people with pre-existing conditions are particularly affected by extreme heat.

Information and education:

We provide information about the health consequences of extreme heat and advise you and your fellow citizens on effective protective measures. This page also tells you where you can find places to cool down and drinking water fountains in the city.

Preventive measures:

Together with other partners in Bremen, we have worked on a plan for Bremen (Heat Action Plan (pdf, 27.2 MB)). This plan includes many measures designed to reduce the impact of heat on the citizens of Bremen.
The central coordination office for these measures will be set up in the health department. In addition, we will be offering you further information on the subject of heat on the internet in the future. It is called the Heat Portal and is an online information platform.

Heat warning for Bremen

The German Weather Service publishes heat warnings for days when the heat can pose a health risk. You can subscribe to the heat warnings free of charge by email. Alternatively, the warnings can also be accessed via the German Weather Service's WarnwetterApp.

How does heat affect health?

Warm temperatures can put strain on the human body and thus affect health. Possible heat-related consequences include

• sunburn,
• circulatory problems,
• swollen legs,
• headaches,
• heat cramps,
• sunstroke and heatstroke.

If the head is exposed to strong sunlight, there is a risk of sunstroke. Possible symptoms include headaches, vomiting, nausea, neck pain or impaired consciousness. The skin is cool.

Heatstroke is caused by the body overheating. Symptoms include headaches, vomiting, nausea, fever, neck pain, cramps, dizziness or impaired consciousness. The skin is dry and hot.

Heat emergency
If someone around you is suffering from heatstroke, call the emergency number 112. Ask other people for help. Administer first aid: if the person is not breathing, start mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and chest compressions. If the person is breathing, place them in the recovery position. Cool them down by moving them into the shade, fanning them and loosening their clothing.

Certain groups of people are more sensitive to heat. These are known as vulnerable groups.

How can I protect myself from heat?

• Drink plenty (non-alcoholic beverages)
• Ensure adequate intake of electrolytes through mineral water and food
• Avoid direct sunlight
• Seek out shady spots and cool rooms
• Wear light, cool clothing
• Wear headgear
• Use sunscreen
• If possible, do physical activities in the cooler morning hours
• Shade living spaces during the day with roller blinds or curtains
• Only ventilate living spaces at night and in the early morning hours to cool down the rooms
• If you take medication regularly, it may be necessary to adjust your medication. Discuss this with your doctor

Where can I find publicly accessible drinking water in Bremen?

Refill offer

There are numerous shops in Bremen that participate in the Refill concept and provide drinking water free of charge to thirsty people. To take advantage of this, you must bring your own bottle to fill up.

Locations of drinking water fountains

The city of Bremen has publicly accessible drinking water fountains that are in operation between May and October. Two additional public drinking water fountains in the old town are operated by church communities (Liebfrauenkirche: spring to November, St. Johann im Schnoor: year-round).