Heat Protection Checklist: What You Must Prepare Before the Next Heat Wave

Why Heat Waves Deserve a Checklist

Heat waves kill more people in Europe than any other weather event. The 2003 European heat wave killed an estimated 70,000 people. Germany's 2019 heat wave caused over 2,000 excess deaths.

Unlike floods or storms, heat wave deaths are almost entirely preventable. The deaths occur because people — especially elderly and vulnerable individuals — are not adequately protected.

This checklist addresses that gap.

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Part 1: Home Cooling Setup

Blocking heat gain

• Reflective window film installed on south and west-facing windows, or equivalent
• Thick curtains or external shutters on all sun-facing windows
• Routine established: close windows and blinds before heat builds (8-9 AM); open at night when outside cools below indoor temperature
• Attic insulation checked — uninsulated attics dramatically increase top-floor heat

Active cooling

• Fan(s) available: at minimum one per sleeping person
• Portable air conditioner or cooling unit (if heat wave protection is a priority investment)
• Spray bottle or wet towel available for evaporative cooling
• Identify coolest room in your home for sleeping during heat waves

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Part 2: Water and Hydration

• Water intake reminder system set up — elderly people often don't feel thirst
• Electrolyte supplements stocked (oral rehydration salts, sport drink powder)
• Water stored: normal supply sufficient, but if you have elderly household members, having 3-day reserve is wise
• Cold compresses or cooling vest available for high-risk household members

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Part 3: Vulnerable Household Members

For households with elderly persons, infants, or people with chronic illness:

• Medical check: does their medication affect heat tolerance? (many common drugs do — ask doctor)
• Check-in schedule established during heat waves
• Cool sleeping location identified and prepared
• Signs of heat stroke known by all caregivers: confusion, rapid heartbeat, dry hot skin, unconsciousness
• Emergency contacts current and accessible

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Part 4: Community Check-In

• Elderly or vulnerable neighbors identified — who needs checking on?
• Mutual check-in agreement with at least one neighbor
• Municipality senior services contact information available (most offer heat wave support services)

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Part 5: Work and Activities

• Outdoor activity schedule adjusted: avoid noon-3PM during heat waves
• Children's school and activity schedule adjusted
• Physical work protocol: extra breaks, increased water intake, buddy monitoring
• Vehicle checked: never leave children or pets in car; check car temperature before getting in

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Part 6: Heat Wave Early Warning

• NINA app installed with weather warnings enabled
• Local weather service (DWD in Germany) checked for heat wave forecasts
• Heat action plan triggers established: at what temperature do specific measures activate?

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Your 3-Item Starter Set

If this list feels overwhelming, start with three items:

1. Install thick curtains on south/west-facing windows
2. Buy fans for sleeping areas
3. Check on elderly neighbors during heat waves

These three steps have the highest impact per unit of effort.