Deadly heat wave hits Europe during peak travel season. Tourists and residents warned to stay inside.
Greece’s National Meteorological Service EMY upgraded to RED ALERT its emergency bulletin, warning of a heatwave in the next days, July 20-23,that will be followed by a another one in the following week.
The worst days with temperatures up to 44 degrees Celsius are forecast to be July 21-23, 2023.
July 20, 2023
Heat Wave conditions can result in physiological strain, which could even result in death.
Preventive measures against heat
To minimise the impact during the heat wave and to prevent serious ailment or death because of heat stroke, you can take the following measures:
- Drink plenty of water
although you are not thirsty, 2 liters a day, minimum;
- avoid alcohol
- Take a shower or bath
With warm water in the most intense heat.
- Avoid the sun and the outside
Especially between 12:00 a.m. and 19:00 p.m.
- Eat fruits and vegetables.
- Avoid copious meals.
- Place yourself in the cooler areas
- When at home
close blinds and windows and open them at night to ventilate.
- Help the most vulnerable people: the elderly, children and the sick.
- If you are very old, are taking medication or have a chronic illness, consult your doctor about any follow-up measures you should take.
- Wear light
Loose clothing is the best, preferably light colored cotton.
- If you need to go outside
Wear protection: a hat, glaces, long sleeves shirt.
- Never Never Never leave anyone in a closed or parked vehicle, nor your pet.
- Avoid any kind of work out.
Health problems caused by heat and how to prevent them
- Sunburn: Wear sunscreen and spend little time in the sun.
- Muscle cramps due to excessive physical activity or elevated sweating: Stop the activity being performed and rest in a cool place. Do not participate in any intense, long duration, physical activity. Drink water diluted juices or sports drinks. Consult your doctor if cramps last more than an hour
- Heat exhaustion caused by excessive depletion headache, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, nausea or fainting:
- Rest in a cool place.
- Drink water diluted juices or sports drinks.
- Consult your doctor if symptoms last more than an hour.
What is a Heat Stroke
It is a serious problem: the body is unable to regulate its temperature, which increases rapidly and can reach 40,6 ºC (105,08 ºF).
Its main symptoms are: heat, dryness and red skin, rapid heartbeat, severe headache, confusion and unconsciousness.
What to do in case of a Heat Stroke:
Call emergency: without urgent medical help, heat stroke can be fatal.
While waiting, cool the body, rest in a dark room, put cold water cloth on the body or immerse it in a shower or tub of cool water.
In case of emergency please call the European Union single emergency number 112
Get Athens area hydrometeorological warnings at the MeteoAlarm webpage
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