Home | News | Code Red due to extreme heat – advice for event organisers | Advice for events during periods of extreme heat

Advice for events during periods of extreme heat

  • 25 June 2026

Measures

  • Ensure there is clear communication before and during the event about what visitors can do to prevent health problems caused by hot weather.
  • Provide a free drinking water point (guideline: one tap for every 300–500 visitors). The water should not be too cold. Advise visitors to drink plenty of fluids, even if they are not thirsty. Alcohol and coffee are not good thirst-quenchers; they increase the risk of dehydration.
  • Make sure that sun cream and caps/hats are available, or tell visitors in advance to bring their own.
  • Provide plenty of shaded areas. UV rays can still penetrate the skin even in the shade. It is therefore important to apply sun cream even when in the shade. Ensure buildings and tents are adequately ventilated and cooled. This means the temperature should not exceed 30°C. Do make sure, however, that the difference from the outside temperature is not too great.

During strenuous activities

  • Reduce the intensity level.
  • Do this during the cooler hours of the morning or afternoon/evening, preferably not between 12.00 and 16.00.
  • Make sure this takes place in the shade as much as possible.
  • Make sure there are extra event first-aiders. Have them patrol the area and keep an eye out for signs of overheating and dehydration.
  • Consider offering a sports drink or stock.
  • Spray with water. Do not spray large areas such as squares. This increases the effect on air humidity. From around 27°C, cooling should only be carried out using large droplets. Do not mist above groups, as this increases air humidity. Stagnant water in a garden hose can heat up considerably if left in direct sunlight for a long time. Bear in mind
    when using water from a garden hose.

Extremely hot weather

This advice applies from around 27°C:

  • Ensure there are additional first-aid posts and first-aiders.
  • Place buckets with sponges around the site. Make sure the sponges are clean and that the water is changed regularly.
    Large numbers of people standing close together generate a great deal of heat. Ensure there is sufficient space around the stages so that people are not crammed together and can spread out easily.
  • Shorten the programme. Include extra breaks and move activities to the morning or afternoon.
  • Set up cool areas using, for example, fans and/or cold showers. Remind visitors and staff of their personal responsibility, and advise them on what they can do to avoid overheating or dehydration. For example, drinking plenty of fluids, seeking shade, wearing light and breathable clothing, and taking extra and longer breaks when
    effort.
  • Be mindful of your alcohol and drug consumption. In extremely hot weather, there is a greater risk of overheating. Substances such as party drugs, energy drinks and alcohol affect fluid balance and blood pressure. People who use these substances are more likely to experience physical symptoms. If you do not drink enough water, symptoms such as
    headaches, a rapid heartbeat and cold limbs may occur. If you drink too much water, symptoms may include swollen hands and feet, nausea, and muscle cramps or muscle pain. Please inform visitors of this.
  • When watering, ensure that the droplets are large and that the hoses are clean (to prevent Legionella). Water misting is strictly prohibited. This can prevent people from being able to release heat and moisture naturally.

It may be advisable to cancel an event when temperatures reach around 32°C. At that point, it becomes difficult for people to cool down. The higher the temperature rises, the greater the risk of health effects that could be irreversible or even fatal.