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Guide · GUIDE 14

Protection in heat & drought

Last reviewed on 29.06.2026

Heatwaves are the deadliest natural hazard in Switzerland – the hot summer of 2003 caused around 1,000 additional deaths, 2022 around 623. They act invisibly and over days. Especially vulnerable are the elderly, small children, the chronically ill and people who work outdoors. The protective measures are simple but effective: drink, cool down, avoid the midday heat. This does not replace medical advice.

Current situation: check the situation dashboard to see whether any warnings are currently in effect for this hazard.

Before: prepare

  1. Subscribe to MeteoSwiss heat warnings
  2. Ventilate the home at night and early morning, darken it during the day
  3. Look after vulnerable neighbours and relatives – arrange contact
  4. Keep a supply of drinks and electrolytes ready
  5. Check medication storage (some are heat-sensitive)

During: in the heat

  1. Drink 2–3 litres spread over the day, avoid alcohol
  2. Schedule physical exertion for the cool morning hours
  3. Darken during the day and keep the heat out, light meals
  4. Cool down: damp cloths, cool shower, feet in cold water
  5. Never leave people or animals in the car – even a short time is life-threatening

How do I recognise heat stroke?

Early signs of heat stress are headache, dizziness, muscle cramps and dark urine. Heatstroke (hot, reddened skin, confusion, high body temperature) is an emergency.

  1. If heatstroke is suspected, call 144 immediately
  2. Move the person into the shade, loosen clothing, cool actively
  3. If conscious, offer cool drinks in small sips
  4. Place unconscious people in the recovery position and monitor them

What helps against the heat at home?

  1. Fan or spray bottle for evaporative cooling
  2. Darkening: curtains, external sun protection, reflective film
  3. Supply of drinks plus electrolyte powder or salted broth
  4. Sun protection outdoors: headwear, sunscreen, light clothing
  5. Thermometer and cooling compresses in the first-aid kit

Common mistakes

  1. Only drinking when thirsty – in the heat that is often too late
  2. Ventilating at midday and thereby letting the heat in
  3. Doing heavy physical work in the worst heat
  4. Leaving children or animals «just briefly» in the car
  5. Not contacting vulnerable relatives during a heatwave

Frequently asked questions

How do I protect myself during a heatwave?

Avoid the midday heat, stay in cool rooms, drink enough, wear light clothing. NEVER leave children/animals in the car — the interior heats up to life-threatening levels within minutes.

How do I recognise heatstroke and what should I do?

Core body temperature above 40 °C with confusion/clouded consciousness/convulsions = emergency. Call 144, move to a cool place, cool actively (wet the skin, fan, damp cloths on the neck/armpits/groin). Do not give anything to drink to unconscious/confused people.

Where do I find heat warnings?

MeteoSwiss and the natural hazards portal, five-level scale.

Official sources