Dutch holidaymakers must prepare better for disaster: Red Cross

The Red Cross wants holidaymakers to be better prepared for emergencies that can occur during their vacation. Based on its own research, the organization states that Dutch tourists often do not know how to act during natural disasters.

Of the over a thousand people they asked in the study, three in five did not know which authority they would be best to contact in the case of an emergency. About a fifth know that emergency centers can be contacted.

Around 17 percent said they have suffered extreme weather or a natural disaster while on vacation in the last five years. Almost half said that the chance of natural disasters influences their vacation destination choice. According to the Red Cross, a common reason for this is the wish to take no risks regarding their family.

The Red Cross advises holidaymakers to follow the news and travel advice set by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding their destination. "It is also useful to consider an evacuation bag with important documents, such as a passport and insurance card," said the aid organization.

On its website, the Red Cross has tips on how to deal with earthquakes, floods, heavy storms, or extreme heat. The advice is to stay in your spot during an earthquake and not to run. If possible, people should take shelter under a sturdy table or desk.

Furthermore, driving or walking through water during a flood can be more dangerous than expected. In the event of a hurricane, it is advisable to fill bottles with water and, if necessary, fill a bathtub and sink with washing and rinsing water.