How to deal with heat waves

Temperatures exceeding 30 °C during the day and 20 °C at night are not only unpleasant, but can also be dangerous. Heat puts strain on the body, impairs sleep, and can lead to overheating, dehydration, or collapse.

What can municipalities and citizens themselves do to mitigate these effects of climate change?

INFORM YOUR CITIZENS and take care of your community, for example, through the leaflet with standard recommendations that we have prepared for you.

How to deal with heat waves 

BE PREPARED, DON'T BE SURPRISED - heat waves are not an exception, but the new norm, or how to prepare municipalities for climate change:

Establish cooling zones in cities – fountains, misters, shaded benches, water features in parks

Increase the proportion of greenery – planting trees, green roofs, vegetation features in streets

Shading buildings and public spaces – blinds, awnings, tarpaulins in public transport, schools, etc.

Introduce temperature and risk monitoring – e.g. via mobile sensors, data from weather stations

Develop contingency plans for heat waves – including evacuation or support measures

For more information on what to do and what to avoid, see the webinar from the Partnership Foundation HERE. 

Lawn as a defence against heat waves: What municipalities and citizens can do
With the increasing number of extremely hot days, lawns play a crucial role in cooling the urban environment. Properly maintained grass can reduce the temperature of its surroundings by several degrees, as effectively as dozens of trees. 

Municipalities – try a different approach:

• Do not mow too often or too low – short grass overheats.
• Mow in a mosaic pattern, leaving some areas uncut.
• Water during dry periods.
• Create more green spaces, even in cities.

Citizens, join in too

• Leave part of your garden uncut.
• Water, ideally with rainwater.
• Think of your lawn as a cooling tool, not just decoration.

Get inspired by the recommendations from the CZECHGLOBE research on (not) mowing lawns, because measures don't have to be expensive. More info HERE.

JOIN us in the BeReady project and get support and practical solutions on how to effectively combat heat islands in your municipality and protect the health of your residents.   

EXPLORE the CoolRegion.eu environmental portal, where you will find further inspiration, data, and tools for adapting to climate change in your municipality.