As a severe heatwave approaches Athens, the Municipality of Athens has activated its full Civil Protection plan to safeguard residents and vulnerable groups. Starting Sunday, 23 August—and continuing for as long as extreme temperatures persist—seven municipal Friendship Clubs will operate daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. as air-conditioned public cooling spaces.
Designated Cooling Centres
The following Friendship Clubs will be open to all citizens:
- Saint Paul’s Friendship Club: Mamouri 22 & Dymis Streets
Phone: 210 8223946 - “The Ascension of the Lord” Friendship Club (Neos Kosmos): Chelndraich 15
Phone: 210 9240403 - Botanical Garden Friendship Club: Kozanis 4
Phone: 210 3423716 - Kolokynthou Friendship Club: Aimonos 9 & Astrous Streets
Phone: 210 5140877 - Saint Eleftherios Friendship Club: Acharnon 372
Phone: 210 2012334 - Kypseli Friendship Club: Skyrou & Kaukasou Streets
Phone: 210 8815877 - Ambelokipoi Friendship Club: Panormou & Vathios Streets
Phone: 210 6459890
During peak heat days, the Municipality’s Reception and Solidarity Centre will supply these venues—as well as the Multipurpose Centre for the Homeless and the Day Centre—with bottled water, rehydration drinks, and hygiene kits containing essential personal care items.
Support Lines and Medical Guidance
Citizens, especially elderly residents, children, people with chronic illnesses, and others in vulnerable groups, can contact the Municipality’s 24-hour Citizen Service Line at 1595 (standard call charges apply) or 210 5287800.
For medical advice on preventing and managing heat-related health issues, the Municipal Health Centres’ “Heatwave Helpline” is available daily from 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. at 210 3638049.
Operational Readiness Across Services
The Municipality maintains round-the-clock operational readiness. Teams from the Municipal Cleaning and Green Spaces Directorates conduct regular patrols. The Municipal Police monitor parks and high-risk areas using ground units and thermal drones to detect dangerous temperature spikes in real time. Its Operations Centre coordinates closely with the Hellenic Fire Service, other municipal authorities, and relevant agencies as needed.
Municipal water tankers remain on standby for emergency deployment.
Outreach to Homeless Populations
From 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Streetwork teams—including social workers, nurses, and psychologists—will conduct street outreach to support unsheltered individuals. They will distribute chilled water bottles and hygiene kits across the city.
Care for Stray Animals
The Municipality’s Urban Fauna Service has installed over 130 drinking stations for stray animals across Athens neighbourhoods. These are maintained both by municipal staff and local volunteers. Residents are encouraged to help keep them filled with fresh, cool water.
Guidance for pet owners and informal animal carers—including tips on hydration, shade, and avoiding midday walks—is being shared via the Municipality’s official social media channels.