Information and measures for heat and UV protection in the Saarpfalz district
Due to the persistently high temperatures, the Health Department of the Saarpfalz District is introducing its heat portal, which can be found at
www.saarpfalz-kreis.de/hitzeschutz. The information on heat and UV protection is supplemented by current and planned measures on this topic from the Climate & Energy sector.
The Saarpfalz district's heat portal offers a detailed overview of heat and UV protection for the general population and particularly vulnerable groups:
Older people and (caregiving) relatives can find, among other things, information about free online courses that illustrate the health risks posed by heat as well as various protection options that can be learned flexibly in terms of time by each participant.
Families with young children can find information in the Heat Portal about symptoms as well as necessary prevention and assistance measures related to heat and UV radiation. For institutions, recommendations and sample plans are available as guidelines, along with information about external free daycare and school projects on UV protection. Additionally, an internal district prevention project is planned, in which preschool children in daycare centers will explore the topics of heat and sun protection in a playful way together with staff from the health department.
For people who are out and about on hot days in the Saarpfalz district, the digital map of "cool places" – also available in the heat portal – can provide support. It lists outdoor areas such as various green spaces, benches, and playgrounds that offer cooling through natural or artificial shading or their proximity to water. Publicly accessible buildings that allow for a short rest on hot days due to cooler indoor temperatures are also marked. It is always important to note that the opening hours of the buildings are limited and that during very long heat waves, high temperatures can also occur in the normally cooler rooms. Suggestions and constructive ideas for additional "cool places" are welcome and can be sent to the health department at klima-gesundheit@saarpfalz-kreis.de.
If you have questions about heat and UV protection, the health department is also available for personal exchange at various regional events (e.g., the Biosphere Festival). At the beginning of August, employees of the AWO and the health department will once again answer questions about heat and sun protection for young and old at an information booth on site in Erbach as part of the AWO district project EqualE, and will convey useful information interactively and playfully during the next planned family hike.
Among the major measures in the area of heat protection is the continuous installation of drinking water dispensers at schools under the sponsorship of the Saarpfalz district for several years now, some of which are also funded by the state. This allows all students to drink for free and without restrictions on hot days. The implementation is managed by the Climate & Energy department, located within the Real Estate Management division of the Saarpfalz district.
In addition, the department will develop an integrated climate adaptation concept by the end of 2027, focusing on its own properties, especially schools. This is funded by the federal government and forms the basis for the implementation of measures. Information and events for citizens will also be developed in this process.
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Press Office of the Saarpfalz District
presse@saarpfalz-kreis.de,
Tel. 06841 / 104-7176, Fax 104-7177
Contact persons:
Anika Bäcker,
anika.baecker@saarpfalz-kreis.de,
06841 / 104-8214
Dr. Johann Horras,
johann.horras@saarpfalz-kreis.de,
06841 104-8218
Beate Ruffing,
beate.ruffing@saarpfalz-kreis.de,
06841 / 104-8215
