How to deal with heat stress at an open-air event? Exploring visitors' vulnerability, risk perception, and adaptive behavior with a multi-method approach

In: Weather, climate & society

Abstract

AbstractHeat waves are increasingly common in many countries across the globe, and also in Germany, where this study is set. Heat poses severe health risks, especially for vulnerable groups such as the elderly and children. This case study explores visitors' behavior and perceptions during six weekends in the summer of 2018 at a six-month open-air horticultural show. Data from a face-to-face survey (n = 306) and behavioral observations (n = 2750) were analyzed via correlation analyses, ANOVA, and multiple regression analyses. Differences in weather perception, risk awareness, adaptive behavior, and activity level were observed between rainy days (maximum daily temperature < 25°C), warm summer days (25 - 30°C), and hot days (> 30°C). Respondents reported a high level of heat risk awareness, but most (90 %) were unaware of actual heat warnings. During hot days, more adaptive measures were reported and observed. Older respondents reported taking the highest number of adaptive measures. We observed the highest level of adaptation in children, but they also showed the highest activity level. Based on our results we discuss how to facilitate individual adaptation to heat stress at open-air events by taking the heterogeneity of visitors into account. In order to mitigate negative health outcomes for citizens in the future, we argue for tailored risk communication aimed at vulnerable groups.