High temperatures triggers heat plan for 4 Dutch provinces

Afternoon temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius in the coming days triggered the National Heat Plan for the provinces of Gelderland, Overijssel, Noord-Brabant and Limburg. National public health institute RIVM advises residents and visitors to these provinces to be prepared and stay cool, the Telegraaf reports. Measures that can be taken to prevent overheating include drinking plenty of water, wearing thin clothes, avoid exercising during the afternoon hours and stay in the shade as much as possible. Also make use of air conditioning, blinds, ventilators and fans to make sure your home does not get too hot. Meteorological institute KNMI issued a code yellow warning for persistent heat covering the above mentioned provinces from 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday to 1:00 p.m. on Thursday. "Drink enough. Keep yourself and your home cool. Limit physical exertion. Travel well prepared." the institute writes. While the high temperatures mean pleasant summer days outside for many people, elderly, chronically ill, overweight and very young people should be careful of dehydration and overheating. Athletes should also be wary during high temperatures. The Red Cross is therefore handing out fans and tips on how to stay cool at the Vierdaagse marches in Nijmegen. Both spectators and participants should be extra careful in the coming hot days.