Heat waves in Neukölln: Protection for seniors is now urgently needed!

Heat waves in Neukölln: Protection for seniors is now urgently needed!

Neukölln, Berlin, Deutschland - On June 10, 2025, the Neukölln district office took measures to protect the health of older people during the continuing heat waves. The increased temperatures are a serious risk, especially for over 75-year-olds. Physical reactions to extreme heat are often slower in older people, which can lead to serious health problems such as overheating, dehydration and circulatory collecting. Affected people with chronic illnesses, such as cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, are particularly at risk. Therefore, the district office has set up a heat phone to offer targeted support.

The heat telephone, which is operated by the carrier Silbernetz e.V., can be reached from Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Older Neuköllner can register in a heat protection register on 030/544 533 0 333 in order to obtain telephone warnings from the German Weather Service at upcoming heat waves. In addition, helpful information for correct behavior and precautionary measures are given. There is also the possibility to request heat helpers for everyday support. These efforts are part of the heat protection plan, which was presented in 2022.

heat protection measures in Neukölln

In addition to the heat telephone, the district office has implemented further measures to counter the heat. This includes the provision of cool rooms, the Hothelfer project in the Buckower Damm district and a mobile heating aid for homeless people. These comprehensive initiatives aim to support the most endangered members of the community and to facilitate them during the hot days.

The current developments are not isolated, but are in the context of an overall increasing climate change, the health effects of which are already noticeable in Germany. According to a report on quarkks.de in the decade from 2011 to 2020 around 2 ° C from 1881 to 1910. This has not only the increase in the frequency and intensity of heat waves led, but also the risk of spreading tropical diseases.

The associated health risks are versatile. Transfers of diseases such as West Nil fever, which was first demonstrated in Germany in 2019, are spreading, while the number of days has increased with increased risk of infection by vibrio bacteria in the Baltic Sea since the 1980s. It is alarming that the increase in harmful bacteria is promoted, which can primarily have dangerous consequences for people with previous illnesses.

The effects of climate change is also reflected in the increase in allergies, since milder temperatures and longer vegetation periods promote the spread of allergenic plants and the extension of the pollen season. These developments are not only a challenge for the health of older people, but also affect the entire population.

With the measures introduced and the continuous efforts to adapt to these changes, the district office Neukölln would like to actively counteract the dangers of the heat and the health effects of climate change.