Relevance of Heat Health Actions Plans for Preventive Public Health in Germany

Abstract

Heat waves are among the extreme weather events and represent a growing health hazard for the population in Europe. According to the current climate studies, the probability of an increase and intensification of heat waves has been increasing for years. Particularly affected by exposure to unusually high heat are people whose organism is already weakened by age or illness. As the share of senior citizens in Germany continues to rise as a result of demographic change, the health effects of heat waves are gaining in importance. Heat-induced morbidity and mortality can be effectively countered by information provision and timely initiation of preventive measures. The heat wave of the summer of 2003, which killed around 70000 people across Europe, led to the establishment of national heat warning systems and / or hot weather plans in much of Europe. In Germany, the heat warning system of the German Weather Service was set up nationwide in 2005. Thus, a 2-stage warning process can be comprehensively and timely inform people of an imminent heat wave, whereupon appropriate preventive measures can be initiated. In addition, it is recommended to establish a heat action plan which, in addition to heat warning, also takes into account comprehensive health intervention measures. This article outlines the background, significance and structure of a heat action plan according to the World Health Organization (WHO). This is based on the guidance document prepared in 2008 and the supplementary documents of the years 2009 and 2011. In order to ensure sustainable protection against heat-related health hazards, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the introduction of a national heat action plan for its Member States. There are fundamental differences between a heat warning system and a heat action plan. While the warning of a brief heat period is the central task of the heat warning system, the heat action plan follows an integrative approach that combines short, medium and long-term health protection measures within a common framework.