advertentieAfter consultation with the KNMI Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute), RIVM has decided to expand the National Heat Plan across the country starting Monday at 10:00 AM. On Sunday, the National Heat Plan was already activated for Limburg and North Brabant. The aim of this activation is to signal caregivers and (health) professionals that hot weather is on the way. This helps to make them aware to pay extra attention to the people they care for. They can then take this into account in their support and interaction with vulnerable groups, such as the elderly and small children.
Vulnerable Groups
Elderly people (75+) form the largest vulnerable group, as they are less able to control their body temperature and feel thirst less quickly. Also, people with chronic conditions, those in social isolation, the homeless, and (very) young children can easily experience discomfort or health problems without taking measures. They may experience discomfort such as fatigue, headaches, and concentration issues. They are also at higher risk for more serious health problems, such as dehydration and heat stroke.
Care for Each Other
Do you care for someone else? Or do you have vulnerable people in your surroundings? Then you help them by paying extra attention to them during the heat. There are various things you can do to make it easier for them:
- Place a glass or a jug of drink for someone else so they can drink enough
- Help keep the house (and head) cool by closing the curtains and turning on a fan or air conditioning (external link)
- Take them outside only in the early hours or later in the evening. It is good not to move too much during the hottest hours of the day.
Read more about heat and the National Heat Plan on our website. Additionally, it is wise to prevent sunburn. You can protect yourself and others.