Safety Measures Implemented in Hamm: Focus on Child, Elderly, and Workplace Protection
In the heart of Germany, the city of Hamm is gearing up to combat the growing threat of heatwaves. As temperatures continue to rise and heatwaves become more frequent and intense, the city is taking steps to ensure the safety and well-being of its most vulnerable residents.
Employers in Hamm are legally obligated to protect their employees' health during heatwaves. While the specific measures for protecting children, the elderly, and at-risk individuals are not explicitly outlined in local search results, general knowledge suggests that Hamm may employ similar strategies to those used in other European cities.
These strategies often include the opening of cooling centres where vulnerable people can find relief from extreme heat. Public warnings and advice on hydration, avoiding outdoor activity during peak heat, and monitoring at-risk individuals are also common. Coordination with healthcare and social services to check on the elderly or people with chronic illnesses is another key strategy. Urban planning measures like increasing green spaces and shade are also implemented to help combat the effects of heatwaves.
However, it is important to note that these details are not confirmed specifically for Hamm from the provided search results.
In addition to these potential measures, Hamm has taken a proactive approach by creating an interactive map to help combat heat stress on hot summer days. The map, available through the city's Geoportal, shows parks, water bodies, air-conditioned indoor spaces, and free drinking water stations. Citizens can even suggest their own cool retreat spots online, making the map a valuable resource for the entire community.
The map is particularly important for babies and young children, who are more susceptible to the effects of heatwaves. Babies and young children sweat less than adults and have a harder time regulating their body temperature. High temperatures can lead to dehydration, sunburn, or heatstroke in this vulnerable age group. Parents in Hamm are advised to never expose children under one year old to direct sunlight and to let older children play in the shade during the hottest hours of the day (10 am to 5 pm). Parents are also advised to feed babies more frequently or with formula, and offer older children twice to three times the usual amount of water or unsweetened tea to drink.
The elderly population in Hamm, particularly those with chronic illnesses, are also at risk during heatwaves. High temperatures can lead to dehydration, heart and circulation problems, and metabolic imbalances in this group. Employers in Hamm are advised to implement measures like relaxed dress codes, flexible working hours, provision of drinks, and shaded breaks if temperatures exceed 26°C.
It is also worth noting that Hamm has a significant number of residents living with type 2 diabetes, around 20,500 cases according to recent statistics. This population is particularly vulnerable to the effects of heatwaves, as high temperatures can exacerbate symptoms and complications associated with the condition.
In conclusion, while the specific measures taken by Hamm to protect its residents during heatwaves are not entirely clear from the available search results, it is clear that the city is taking a proactive approach to ensure the safety and well-being of its most vulnerable residents. The interactive map, which shows cool spots throughout the city, is a valuable resource for residents to find relief from the heat and stay safe during hot summer days.
