#CoolAthens

Very hot days and heat waves are increasing during the summer in Athens! They are increasing in intensity, frequency and duration, due to climate change. The Municipality of Athens is preparing and shielding itself through a series of initiatives for a #CoolAthens.
Few, especially in the Mediterranean countries, recognize that exposure to heat seriously endangers our health. Although heatwaves are the deadliest extreme weather event, its danger is still widely underestimated.

And the heat is rising!

The elderly, babies and young children, nursing and pregnant women, outdoor workers and those employed in physically demanding jobs, the homeless, and people with chronic diseases are more vulnerable. Keep them in mind, they are in serious danger!

We are all at high risk in heat waves! Get informed!

Classification of heatwaves

The Municipality of Athens informs and protects!

The Municipality of Athens, in collaboration with the National Observatory of Athens, METEO.GR, the Arsht Rock Resilience Center, as well as with the contribution of world-renowned scientists, has "categorized" heat waves! Just as there are categories for wind intensity or bad weather, there are now categories for heat waves, the most dangerous extreme weather phenomenon for our health, which are recorded and evaluated!

The categorization system is based on an algorithm developed specifically for the city of Athens, through the correlation of two decades of historical weather data and mortality data from ELSTAT, which takes into account the risk that residents and visitors of Athens may run from extreme heat. It is the first city where the algorithm was developed and subsequently a similar one was developed for 5 other Greek cities.

FORECAST FOR THE NEXT THREE DAYS

Actions of the Municipality
for Athenian heatwaves

Collaboration with the National Observatory of Athens and the Meteo.gr team where temperature maps and distress maps are updated every 15 minutes to inform citizens in real time.
Pilot Operation of an Integrated Weather Information and Warning System in collaboration with Meteo.gr: Through the strategic partnership with the scientific team of Meteo.gr of the National Observatory of Athens, the Municipality gains access to advanced high-definition meteorological models, allowing for the timely mapping and categorization of upcoming heat waves based on their risk to human health.
Operation of the EXTREMA Global mobile application developed by the National Observatory of Athens in collaboration with the Municipality of Athens with real-time personalized risk information during the hot days of summer. Map with the closest places to cool off, map with the coolest routes for each destination, information on air pollution levels.
Site of the Municipality of Athens (#CoolAthens) dedicated to protecting and supporting city residents during high temperatures that will be updated during heat waves and will include information on:
- Heatwave Line of the Multipurpose Municipal Clinics with medical advice and guidance on the prevention and treatment of health problems due to high temperatures.
- Extension of hours in 7 Senior Centers for all our fellow citizens without distinction during the heatwave days that will operate as air-conditioned spaces
- Establish alert units by Municipality employees from the Cleaning and Green services and constant readiness of water carriers.
- Mobilization of drones with thermal camera for the control of hills and areas of increased fire risk by the Municipal Police.
- 24-hour Operation of the Municipal Police Operations Center for the information and assistance of the Fire Department, Services and municipalities.
- Care for stray animals with the installation of waterers in the neighborhoods of Athens by the Urban Fauna. Operation of the Municipal Veterinary Hospital (94 Mesogeion Ave. and Trikala) from 9.00-15.00 daily (210-7483967).

Appeal to citizens and businesses:

Do not put your waste in the bins between the hours of 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. We ask for everyone's understanding and cooperation in order to avoid disruptions in the city and to ensure the protection of public health and workers during periods of extreme temperatures.
Ensure that waterers remain filled with fresh, cool water. Owners or those caring for animals on the street should follow the care instructions on Athens' social media.

Survival guide for Athenian heatwaves

Schedule your chores

during the cool hours of the day. If you must go out during the hottest part of the day, wear a hat, sunscreen and take water with you! Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing made from natural materials.

Frequent cold showers

at regular intervals throughout the day without drying with a towel. Alternatively, or additionally, you can regularly put a cool wet cloth on your head and neck!

Small light meals! Fruit and vegetables!

If you sweat a lot, add salt to your food.

Drink at least 1.5 liters of water and/or juices during the day

even if you are not thirsty. Do not consume alcohol, coffee or soft drinks with a lot of sugar.

Help the most vulnerable:

Infants, small children, pregnant women and nursing mothers! Elderly and people with chronic diseases! Outdoor workers and those with physically demanding jobs!

Cover up!

Relax in shady, cool, air-conditioned areas. Don't exercise. If you go out, wear a hat, take water and sunscreen!

Don't forget your four-legged friends!

Make sure they always have cool water and are in the shade and in cool places with you.

The temperature inside a parked car doubles in minutes.

Children, elderly people and animals are at risk, even on long journeys.

A cooler house on very hot days!

Close curtains, blinds and shutters, and make sure windows are completely shut in the morning before the temperatures start to rise, especially on the sides of the house where the sun falls. Close the external awnings on balconies as well.

Open the windows in the evening when it is cooler outside. Try to get drafts into the house early in the morning and late at night. Raise the awnings to let the air move.

Stay at home, if possible, and don't go out during the hottest hours of the day, which are from 11.00 a.m. until 6.00 p.m.

Keep a room cooler with a fan or air-conditioner. Keep the room as tightly sealed as possible so that no cool air is lost through half-open windows or under doors.

Turn off lights and any other electrical items you don't need that use energy. Use the washing machine in the evening.

Prepare light and cool meals that can be made without much time in the oven or on the stove.

If you can't cool off at home, go to an air-conditioned public place and stay there for at least 2 hours a day to cool down your body temperature.