After consulting the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI), the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) has decided to extend the National Heatwave Plan to the entire country as of Monday. The National Heatwave Plan was already in effect for the provinces of North Brabant, Limburg, Gelderland and Overijssel.
The purpose of activating this plan is to let informal carers and care professionals know that hot weather is on the way. This helps make them aware that they should pay extra attention to the people they are taking care of. They can take the heat into account when providing care and support to vulnerable groups, such as older people and small children.
Vulnerable groups
Older people (75+) are the largest vulnerable group. Because of their age, it is more difficult for them to regulate their body temperature and they are less likely to feel thirsty. In addition, people with chronic conditions, people who are socially isolated, homeless people and (very) young children can easily experience distress or develop health problems if measures are not put in place to protect them. They may experience problems such as fatigue, headaches and difficulty concentrating. They are also at greater risk of more serious health problems, such as dehydration and heat stroke.
Look out for each other
Are you taking care of someone? Or are there vulnerable people in your environment? You can help them by paying extra attention to them during the heat. There are several things you can do to help them cope with the hot weather:
- Put a glass or jug of drinks close to them so they have enough to drink.
- Help keep their house (and their head) cool, for example by closing the curtains and turning on a fan or air conditioning (in dutch).
- Only take them outside in the early morning or late in the evening. It is better not to move too much during the hottest part of the day.
Read more about heat and the National Heatwave Plan on our website. It is also wise to prevent sunburn. You can use sun protection options to protect both yourself and others.