What to Do About the Summer Heat in Siegen?

Siegen an der Sieg isn't the only place gearing up for high summer. Some people struggle with the heat, while just as many look forward to it. Whether or not you're a fan of summer, there are a few simple measures you can take to protect yourself – not just in Siegen in North Rhine-Westphalia, home to around 100,000 residents.

You might already know some of these tips, but others may still be unfamiliar to you and could prove very helpful. Knowing about the dangers of high temperatures in Siegen and being aware of the helpful solutions is one thing – actually following them is another matter entirely.

12 tips for the hot summer:

1. Drink plenty of fluids

Drinking enough should really go without saying: during summer, it's important to drink plenty of water, especially if you're spending time outdoors. Drinking enough is essential, as it replenishes the minerals and fluids your body loses through sweating.

Failing to do so can lead to heat exhaustion, sunstroke, heatstroke or cramps. In summer, you should mainly drink water, though herbal teas and unsweetened fruit juices can help too. Sugary drinks such as lemonade can make you feel even more dehydrated, so they're best avoided in summer.

2. Avoid the midday sun

The midday sun is strongest between 12pm and 3pm. During this time, the sun is at its most intense, so you should stay in the shade or wear a hat.

It's very important to plan your day well – for example, go for a walk in the morning or evening rather than at midday, when it's warmest. Physically demanding activities can be saved for cooler times of the day.

3. Wear suitable clothing

Your clothing should cover as much of your body as possible and should be light, loose-fitting and pale in colour. This keeps you cool while protecting you from harmful sun rays.

Natural fabrics such as silk, cotton or linen are best suited to summer, as these materials absorb sweat well and are breathable.

You should avoid synthetic fibres such as polyester, as they only make you feel warmer since they don't absorb sweat. You should also change your clothes more often because of sweating. The heat can catch you out faster than you'd think – so prepare in good time!

4. Air out your house or flat

When it's cooler outside, open your doors and windows. Just make sure you don't let insects in.

You can cool rooms down by hanging wet towels in front of windows or using a fan. Attic flats or those facing south can heat up very quickly.

5. Switch off electrical devices

Electrical devices such as TVs or computers give off constant heat. Always switch these off completely when they're not in use.

On hot days, it's best to charge your devices overnight instead.

6. Dry your washing outdoors ...

... if you have a garden or a larger balcony. Wet washing indoors increases humidity in a room, which the body perceives as warmer than dry air. In hot weather, washing dries much faster outside anyway.

7. Don't overeat

Eating too much makes you sluggish, which only makes you sweat more. It's better to spread several small meals throughout the day. Fatty foods take longer to digest, which can leave you feeling uncomfortable. Luckily, lighter meals tend to taste better in summer anyway – though exceptions do occur.

8. Always remember sun protection

Premature skin ageing and an increased risk of skin cancer are both caused by UV radiation. Don't forget – your skin never does!

Don't forget to apply sun cream with a high SPF as soon as you head outdoors, no matter how cloudy it looks. It's best to reapply sun protection every two hours, especially if you're at the swimming pool.

9. Take a break in air-conditioned rooms

On really hot days, it can help to take a break in an air-conditioned room now and then to cool down. This could be various places: the supermarket, the library or your own home, as long as it has a cellar or air conditioning.

10. Be careful with alcohol

You should avoid alcohol during hot weather, as it has a dehydrating effect. If you do drink alcohol, make sure you also drink a glass of water alongside it.

You should also bear in mind that alcohol tends to make people more careless in general: everyone has lost track of time at some point.

11. Look out for others in Siegen

Don't just think of yourself – think of others too.

Warm weather can be genuinely dangerous for elderly people, those with chronic illnesses or small children: watch out for signs of heat exhaustion in those around you, such as dizziness, headaches, nausea or vomiting.

If you notice these signs in someone, help as much as you can!

12. Cars in summer

Never leave pets or children in parked cars: temperatures can rise quickly even in cars parked in the shade!

This issue is still dramatically played down and underestimated, and sometimes simply forgotten. On very hot days, the temperature inside a car can reach dangerous levels within minutes – for both animals and people!

More tips for the Siegerland region

If you want to enjoy summer and get through it well, read and follow these tips. Here are a few shorter ones:

• Invest in a few portable misting sprays or fans – it's money well spent, as you can reuse the devices next summer.

• Make sure your home is well ventilated and that all unnecessary sources of heat are removed.

• When it's warm, it helps to prepare meals in advance, saving you the extra heat of cooking.

• Keeping curtains or blinds closed helps keep the heat outside.

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

• Avoid exercising in the heat, even if that's not always easy – except for swimming, of course.

With these tips, you should get through the heat well in Siegen, especially at the Warmwasserfreibad Kaan-Marienborn.

Eating ice cream is always a great idea, and it's even better when you can sit comfortably outside under a parasol.

Stay cool and have fun!