12 Tips Against the Heat in Viersen

High summer is coming, not just to Viersen on the Hammer Bach. Many people look forward to summer, while some struggle with the heat. In Viersen, North Rhine-Westphalia, with its nearly 80 thousand residents, there are simple measures you can take to make summer more pleasant.

Some measures may already be popular, others new and helpful. Knowing the dangers of high temperatures in Viersen and knowing the solutions to them are two different things.

Our 12 tips for the hot summer:

1. Drink plenty of fluids

Drinking enough should really go without saying: when you're out and about in the summer heat, it's essential to drink plenty, especially water. When you sweat, you lose not just water but also minerals, which is why it's vital to replenish these by drinking regularly.

Failing to do so can lead to heatstroke, sunstroke, heat exhaustion or cramps. In summer, you should mainly drink water, though herbal teas and unsweetened fruit juices can also help. The feeling of dehydration is made worse by fizzy drinks and other sugary beverages.

2. Avoid the midday sun

Since the sun is strongest around midday, it's best to avoid it between 12pm and 3pm. Stay in the shade during this time or wear a cap.

Plan your day accordingly — go for a walk in the morning or evening instead of at midday if it's too hot. You can certainly shift strenuous physical activities to a cooler time of day.

3. Dress appropriately

You should wear light-coloured, loose and lightweight clothing that covers as much of your body as possible. This keeps you protected and cool at the same time.

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

Avoid synthetic fabrics such as polyester, as these don't absorb sweat, which makes you feel even hotter. Because of sweating, you should also change your clothes more often. It's worth preparing early, as the heat can arrive faster than expected.

4. Always ventilate your home

Open doors and windows when it's cooler outside than inside. However, make sure no insects come in with the fresh air.

You can cool your rooms with wet towels hung in front of the windows or with a fan. It gets especially hot in flats facing south or in attic flats.

5. Switch off electrical appliances

TVs, computers and other devices generate heat constantly, even on standby. That's why you should switch off electrical appliances completely when they're not in use.

On warm days, it's better to charge your electronic devices at night.

6. Dry your washing outdoors ...

... in a garden or on a large balcony. Damp washing increases the humidity indoors. The body perceives this as warmer than dry air. Washing dries faster outdoors anyway in high temperatures.

7. Don't eat too much

Eating a lot makes you very tired, which only makes you sweat more. It's better to eat several smaller meals throughout the day. Fatty foods take longer to digest, which can leave you feeling uncomfortable. Simple dishes tend to taste better to us in summer anyway, which is usually confirmed by the exceptions.

8. Don't forget sun protection

UV rays damage your skin, leading to premature ageing and increasing the risk of skin cancer. Don't forget — your skin never does!

Even on cloudy days, you should always apply sunscreen with a high SPF as soon as you go outside. It's best to reapply sun protection every two hours, especially if you're at the outdoor pool.

9. Take a break in air-conditioned rooms

It's a smart move to take a break in an air-conditioned room now and then to cool down on a really hot day. This could be the supermarket, the library, or even your own flat, if you have air conditioning or a basement.

10. Watch out for alcohol

Alcoholic drinks have a dehydrating effect and should therefore be avoided. For every alcoholic drink, you should drink at least one glass of water.

What's more, alcohol makes you less careful — who hasn't lost track of time because of it at some point?

11. Your fellow residents of Viersen

You need to think of others too.

Warm weather can be genuinely dangerous for young children, older people or those with chronic illnesses: look out for symptoms of heat exhaustion such as headaches, nausea, vomiting or dizziness in those around you.

If you notice these signs in someone, help if you can!

12. In the car

Don't leave your children or pets alone in parked cars: even on mild days, temperatures inside cars parked in the shade can rise quickly!

This issue is still dramatically underestimated and downplayed, and sometimes forgotten altogether. On very warm days, the temperature inside a closed vehicle can reach life-threatening levels within minutes — for people and animals alike!

A few tips for the Niederrhein region

These are the most important pieces of information to help you stay safe and enjoy the summer. A few shorter tips follow:

• Invest in a few portable fans or misting sprays — this is a worthwhile expense, as you can reuse the devices next summer.

• Eliminate all sources of heat and ensure your home is well ventilated.

• Prepare cold meals or snacks in advance, so you don't need to use the cooker when it's too hot.

• Keeping your curtains or blinds closed keeps the heat out.

• A cold shower or cold bath before bed helps you sleep better.

• Try to avoid doing sport in the heat, no matter how hard it is — except for swimming.

At Bad Ransberg in Viersen, you should get through summer just fine — especially if you follow these tips.

Eating ice cream is always a great idea, even better if you can sit comfortably outdoors in the shade.

Stay cool and have fun!