What to Do About the Summer Heat in Kerpen?

It's not only in Kerpen near the Rhine that high summer arrives. There are two groups of people: those who love it and those who struggle with the heat. There are a few simple steps you can take to protect yourself, whether or not you're a fan of summer - and that goes for Kerpen in North Rhine-Westphalia, with its roughly 65,000 residents, too.

You might already know some of these tips, but others may be new to you and could prove very helpful. Knowing the answers to coping with the high temperatures in Kerpen is all well and good, but it's no use if you don't put them into practice.

Summertime - Our 12 Tips

1. Drink Plenty of Fluids

Drinking enough is really just common sense: during the summer, it's essential to drink plenty of water, especially if you're out in the sun. This matters because when you sweat, you lose not just water but also minerals from your body.

Heat exhaustion or cramps can result from this. In summer, you should mainly drink water, though herbal teas and unsweetened fruit juices can help just as well. Fizzy drinks and other sugary beverages can make the feeling of dehydration worse, which is why they're not recommended in summer.

2. Avoid the Midday Sun

The sun is strongest around midday, so you should avoid it between 12pm and 3pm. Wear a hat and stay in the shade during this time.

It's really important to plan your day well, so it's best to go for walks in the morning or evening rather than at midday when it's so warm. Try to save any strenuous physical activity for a time when temperatures have cooled down a bit.

3. Dress Appropriately

You should wear loose, lightweight and light-coloured clothing that covers as much of your body as possible. This protects you from harmful sun rays while keeping you cool at the same time.

Natural fabrics such as cotton, linen or silk are best. These materials are breathable and absorb sweat well.

Avoid synthetic fabrics such as polyester, as these don't absorb sweat and can make you feel even hotter. The more changes of clothes you have, the better - because of the sweat. The heat can arrive faster than expected, so prepare early!

4. Always Air Out Your Home

Open the doors and windows, but only when it's cooler outside than inside. However, be careful not to let any small critters in.

You can cool your rooms using wet towels in front of the windows or a fan. In attic flats or homes facing south, things can heat up very quickly.

5. Switch Off Electrical Devices

Electrical devices such as PCs or televisions generate constant heat. While you're not using them, you should unplug them.

You should also avoid charging electronic devices on hot days - this can easily be put off until night-time.

6. Dry Your Washing Outdoors ...

... in a garden or on a large balcony. Wet washing leads to higher humidity indoors. The body perceives this as hotter than dry air. Washing dries faster outside in warm temperatures anyway.

7. Don't Eat Too Much

Eating a lot makes you sweat even more and leaves you feeling sluggish. It's therefore better to spread several small meals throughout the day. Fatty meals take longer to digest, which can leave you feeling uncomfortable. Fortunately, we tend to prefer lighter dishes in summer anyway - exceptions prove the rule.

8. Never Forget Sun Protection

UV rays damage your skin, leading to premature skin ageing and an increased risk of skin cancer!

So always apply a sunscreen with a high SPF before heading outdoors, even on days that aren't sunny. It's best to reapply sun cream every two hours, especially if you're at the outdoor pool.

9. Take Regular Breaks in Air-Conditioned Rooms

To cool down, it's a good idea to take a break in a cooler room from time to time on really hot days. This could be various places: the library, the supermarket, or your own home, as long as it has air conditioning or a cellar.

10. Watch Out for Alcohol

During summer, you should try to avoid alcoholic drinks, as they have a dehydrating effect. If you do drink alcohol, make sure you always order a glass of water alongside it.

The effects of alcohol can also make you less alert: who hasn't lost track of time after a few drinks?

11. Look Out for Your Fellow Kerpen Residents

You should also think of others.

Hot weather can be really dangerous for young children, older people or those with chronic illnesses: watch out for symptoms of heat exhaustion such as vomiting, dizziness, headaches or nausea in your daily life.

If you notice these symptoms, help as much as you can!

12. In Cars

Never leave your pets or children alone in parked cars: temperatures in cars parked in the shade can rise rapidly even on mild days!

Year after year, this issue is still dramatically underestimated and downplayed, and sometimes simply forgotten. Inside a car, the temperature can reach life-threatening levels within a few minutes - for both animals and people.

More Tips for the Rhein-Erft Region

If you want to get through summer well and enjoy it, read and follow this advice. Here are a few more tips:

• Buying a portable spray bottle or fan is a good idea, as you can use them again every summer.

• Eliminate all heat sources and make sure your home is well ventilated.

• Avoid using the cooker by preparing cold meals or snacks in advance.

• Keep curtains or blinds closed during the day to keep the heat out.

• To sleep better, it's best to take a cold shower or bath beforehand.

• Avoid exercising in the heat, no matter how tempting - except for swimming, of course.

At the New Swimming pool in Kerpen, you should get through summer just fine - especially if you follow this advice.

An ice cream is also, of course, a great idea, especially if you can enjoy it sitting outside in the shade.

Stay cool and have fun!