Find out how to protect the health of children, adults and senior citizens, as well as the one of your pets, during a heatwave. Taking some simple steps can help to reduce the dangers associated with high temperatures.
Heatwaves are becoming increasingly common and can have significant effects on health. Although anyone can be affected by higher temperatures, some people are at greater risk than others. Adapting your habits can help reduce heat-related risks and ensure you enjoy a peaceful summer.
Children: constant vigilance
Infants and young children have greater difficulty regulating their body temperature and they become dehydrated quicker than adults. It is therefore vital that you pay particular attention to them during periods of intense heat.
To protect them:
- Make sure you offer them water regularly, even if they don’t ask for a drink.
- Dress them in light-coloured, lightweight clothing.
- Avoid going out at the hottest times of day and plan to do your activities in the morning or early evening.
- Never leave a child alone in the car, not even with the window slightly open.
- Cool children down with a damp cloth or use a mister when necessary.
- Opt for a light, water-rich diet that is suitable for their age, such as watermelon, melon, strawberries or cucumbers.
Adults: adapt your rhythm
Even if you are fit, adults can be affected by the extreme heat. Physical exercise, working outside or inadequate hydration increase the risk of dehydration and heatstroke.
On hot days:
- Avoid sun exposure and stay in the shade.
- Drink water regularly throughout the day (at least 1.5 litres a day).
- Reduce your physical activity at the hottest times of day.
- Opt for light meals, which include plenty of fruit and vegetables.
- If you must carry out an activity outdoors, take frequent breaks.
- Look out for the first signs of fatigue, dizziness or headaches.
Seniors: increased attention
Elderly people are more vulnerable to the dangers associated with heat, especially because they sometimes feel less thirsty or can't regulate their body temperature as effectively.
A few simple actions can reduce the risks:
- Drink regularly, even if you don't feel thirsty.
- Keep your house as cool as possible.
- Limit your movements at the hottest times of day.
- Wear lightweight, comfortable clothing.
- Maintain daily contact with a friend, neighbour or family member.
Good to know:
During periods of high heat, Luxembourg implements a free surveillance scheme to protect vulnerable individuals. Together, the Red Cross, the Health Directorate, and COPAS provide this support service for seniors aged 75 and above, particularly those living alone or with limited autonomy.
Pets: they need protection too
Dogs, cats and other domestic animals are also sensitive to intense heat. They can quickly suffer from heatstroke unless proper precautions are taken.
To guarantee their well-being:
- Make sure they always have access to fresh water.
- Provide them with a shaded, well-ventilated space.
- Go for walks early in the morning or in the evening.
- Avoid walking on hot surfaces which can burn their paw pads.
- Never leave an animal alone in a car, even with the window slightly open.
- Apply a damp cloth to strategic places on their body: chest, paws, tummy to cool them down.
A few warning signs
With children, adults or senior citizens, the following symptoms can be a sign of heatstroke:
- A high fever,
- Hot, dry skin,
- Headaches,
- Dizziness,
- Nausea,
- Confusion,
- Loss of consciousness.
If in doubt, put the person in a cool place, cool them down gradually, get them to drink if they are conscious and call the emergency services quickly on 112.
How to keep your house cool
During a heatwave, it is vital to reduce the impact of the heat on the inside of your house. By taking a few simple steps, you can maintain a more comfortable living environment:
- Throughout the day, keep your shutters, blinds and curtains shut to prevent the heat from coming in.
- Open the windows to circulate the air early in the morning and again in the evening, when it’s cooler.
- Use a fan or air conditioning, if you have one but avoid extreme temperature differences between indoors and outdoors.
- At the hottest times of day, reduce the use of devices that heat up the space, in particular the oven, hob, or a tumble-dryer.
- Where possible, choose the coolest rooms in your home to rest.
Useful tips for families
Discover