Heatwave with Over 40 Degrees? Vienna's Plans for the Emergency

A heatwave with over 40 degrees in Vienna? What was unimaginable a few years ago has become a realistic scenario due to climate change. The city has prepared for this with a comprehensive heat action plan, ranging from short-term immediate measures to long-term urban restructuring. Here you can find out how Vienna would respond, what services are available, and how you and your family can best prepare.

Multi-Level Heat Warning System and Monitoring

As soon as an extreme heatwave threatens, the city's multi-level heat warning system is activated. Current warnings and behavior tips are disseminated via media, apps, and the ViennaBot. Particularly vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, pregnant women, and the homeless are the focus. Mobile aid teams distribute water, provide on-site advice, and refer people to cool shelters if needed.

The Vienna heat action plan increasingly relies on data-driven management. With the help of digital dashboards and current analyses – similar to the COVID-19 pandemic – the city can continuously respond to new developments. This allows measures to be specifically adjusted and their effectiveness continuously reviewed. This enables flexible and evidence-based management of heat protection measures in real-time.

Smart sensors measure temperature and air quality in real-time and help to identify heat hotspots early. This way, targeted countermeasures can be initiated before critical thresholds are exceeded – an important step for a resilient city of the future.

29 Key Measures for Everyone and Especially the Vulnerable

Overall, the heat action plan includes 29 concrete measures that address both the entire population and particularly vulnerable groups. About half of these measures are specifically tailored to the needs of vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, young children, the elderly, or people in precarious living situations. This ensures that no one is forgotten in the heat.

For people with chronic illnesses, mental health issues, or difficult life circumstances, there are targeted information campaigns and special support services. In nursing homes, hospitals, and day centers, emergency plans and structural cooling measures are standard. The Vienna Homeless Assistance offers cooled lounges and distributes water bottles to those in need.

Public Space as a Shelter

In addition to the traditional parks, more and more small "Cool Spots" are emerging: Shady benches, water playgrounds, temporary green spaces, and even shady workplaces outdoors. The city relies on innovative solutions to create cooling even in densely built-up districts. Especially in the inner districts, new green axes and fresh air corridors are being planned.

Long-term Strategies: More Green, Less Concrete

Vienna is also focusing on sustainable urban development in the long term: By 2025, 25,000 new trees are to be planted and 400,000 square meters of additional park areas created. These measures are central components to reduce the urban temperature in the long term and maintain the quality of life despite climate change. Asphalt surfaces are being unsealed to store more water – the so-called sponge city principle. Public buildings such as schools, hospitals, and nursing homes are being made climate-ready, with better insulation and passive cooling systems.

Communication and Coordination

As early as spring, doctors, nursing staff, and social services were trained to be able to react quickly in an emergency. Schools and kindergartens focus on heat prevention through greening, shading, and special teaching units. The city provides information brochures and digital services so that all Viennese know how to protect themselves.

In an emergency, a municipal crisis team coordinates all measures. Current information and assistance offers are communicated via the ViennaBot, the Vienna app, and a dedicated heat phone hotline. For medical emergencies, the emergency number 144 is available, and for general questions and assistance, the city's heat phone hotline: 01 4000 4001. You can reach the Vienna Homeless Assistance at 01 533 77 77.

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.