Carinthia starts Hitschutz tag: This is how we protect ourselves from the embers!

Carinthia starts Hitschutz tag: This is how we protect ourselves from the embers!

On June 4, 2025, the first Carinthian heat protection day took place, an important step in preparation for increased temperatures and possible health risks. Beate Prettner, Health Councilor of the SPÖ, makes it clear that the upcoming heat can cause health problems for many people. Older people pay special attention, every fourth Carinthian of whom is over 65 years old. This group suffers particularly from the extreme temperatures, as from Kleinezeitung.at reports.

The past few years have shown that heat waves increase mortality and lead to more hospital visits. In 2024 it was about three degrees warmer in Carinthia than in previous years. The health risks that are associated with heat -related diseases such as heat shots, sun engravings and ultimately even a heat -related death should not be underestimated. People who work outdoors, children and people with certain previous illnesses, such as the [Robert Koch-Institut] (https:/de/themen/themen/themen/gesundheit--alflichlichen-a-z/hitzenlichlichliche-fachleben are particularly at risk.

heat as a health risk

The health effects of extreme heat are not only noticeable in Carinthia, but also throughout Europe. The [Federal Environment Agency] (https://www.umweltbundamt.de/themen/Gesundheit/umwelteinfluesse-auf-den-menschen/klimamawandel-gesundheit/ Effective Complex Heat) warns that the climate and the associated higher temperatures also increase the health stress of the population in cities. The human organism can adapt to some of these extreme weather events, but suitable measures must be taken to avoid serious health risks.

The heat wave caused a drastic changes in 2003, which resulted in many deaths. In order to prevent such tragedies in the future, there has been a heat protection plan in Carinthia since 2013, which is now regularly adapted. Experts such as the environmental doctor Hans-Peter Hutter are involved in the update and implementation of the measures. It is not just about preventive strategies, but also about faster reaction options in crisis situations.

Community projects for cooling

A concrete project that was launched in response to the rising temperatures is the “St. Egid Refuge” in Klagenfurt. The parish of St. Egid, supported by the state of Carinthia and the city of Klagenfurt, open all churches on hot days to offer people a cool retreat. Hans-Peter Premur, Bischofs-Vikar, explains that the church can not only be a spiritual retreat, but also protection against the heat. The parish's garden is also equipped with trees, a drinking water fountain and seating and can also be used for pastoral care and events. The opening of the “St. Egid Refuge” is planned in three weeks.

The initiative shows how important the cooperation of different institutions and professions for an effective heat protection plan is, as State Councilor Sara Schaar emphasizes. This teamwork is crucial to protect the vulnerable groups in society in the best possible way.