Netherlands activates heat plan Tuesday ahead of 30°C heatwave
The Netherlands will activate its National Heat Plan starting Tuesday at 10 a.m. as a strong regional heatwave threatens much of the country with temperatures exceeding 30 degrees. The announcement came Monday from the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) following consultation with the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI).
The RIVM issued the heat plan to alert healthcare providers, caregivers, and organizations to the dangers posed by sustained high temperatures.
Older adults, especially those over 75, are at heightened risk since the natural urge to drink lessens with age, increasing the chance of dehydration. People with chronic illnesses, those socially isolated, homeless individuals, and young children are also vulnerable.
“Even healthy people can suffer from overheating or heat exhaustion,” the RIVM warned, urging people to care for vulnerable individuals by ensuring they have water and keeping homes cool by, for example, closing curtains.
The KNMI advises avoiding direct sun exposure, drinking plenty of fluids, and refraining from heavy physical activity between noon and 6 p.m. It also cautions never to leave children or pets unattended in closed vehicles, even briefly.
