[Heat dome in Germany and how well we are prepared for it].

Abstract

Background: In the last 4 years some countries, such as Arizona (USA), India, Saudi Arabia, Australia and British Columbia (Canada), have experienced extremely long heat waves of 40 °C and more. The duration of the episodes ranged from 14 days in Canada to more than 3 months in Arizona. The heat dome in the Vancouver region showed that similar events can occur in our latitudes but these are not adequately taken into account in the planning in Germany.

Methods: So far only peer-reviewed data from Canada are available and data on other events have not yet been comprehensively processed. Governmental information and other trustworthy sources were used for the research. The aim was to identify areas which have so far not been sufficiently considered in the ongoing planning discourse in Germany.

Results: Numerous measures were identified that have not or only insufficiently been considered in Germany, such as the establishment of crisis management teams, determination of prior planning of a communications strategy and predefined responsibilities for measures, such as bans on outdoor activities, evacuation and holiday restrictions for healthcare workers. Extreme heat events must be defined as natural disasters in order to initiate these and other measures in Germany due to legal requirements. Many of the measures that are now being planned on a voluntary basis would then have to be mandated and, if necessary, made compulsory.

Conclusion: The planning of measures for extreme heat events must be revised in many places in Germany. These are not stipulated in the 25 action plans for heat events published so far. Many regions are not adequately prepared. It is potentially about preventing tens of thousands of deaths that could occur in one single event.