Athens Services on High Alert for Extreme Heatwave

Athens is placing all its services on high alert in anticipation of several days of very high temperatures. As part of the municipality's civil protection plan, seven Friendship Clubs will open their doors from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. starting July 20, offering air-conditioned spaces for residents. These clubs are located across the city, including in Agios Pavlos, Neos Kosmos, Votanikos, Kolokynthos, Agios Eleftherios, Kypseli, and Ampelokipoi.

The municipality's social services will supply these cooling centers, along with the Multipurpose Homeless Center and the Day Center, with water, beverages, and special protection kits. Vulnerable populations, including the homeless, will be supported by streetwork teams operating from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., providing water, snacks, and essential kits. A 24-hour citizen service line (1595) and another number (2105287800) are available for general inquiries. For health advice related to heat, the "Heatwave Line" at the Multipurpose Municipal Clinics can be reached daily from 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. at 210 3638049.

In addition to public cooling centers, the city is enhancing its operational readiness. Cleaning and greenery departments will patrol 24 hours a day. Municipal police will monitor green spaces and high-risk areas using ground patrols and drones equipped with cameras to detect critical temperature changes. Water trucks are on standby, and three fire-fighting vehicles with cannons will be deployed to municipal summer camps and Lycabettus Hill. The Municipal Police Operations Center will operate 24/7, coordinating with the fire department and other relevant authorities. The city's animal welfare service has also installed over 130 water bowls in neighborhoods to help stray animals during the heatwave.