From Wednesday, the National Heat Plan will apply throughout the Netherlands. With the plan, the RIVM health institute warns organizations, professionals and people in care about the persistent heat, so that they can take appropriate measures.
The over-75s are a particularly vulnerable group at high temperatures. With increasing age, the incentive to drink deteriorates, so the elderly are more at risk of dehydration. But people in good health can also suffer from overheating or heat exhaustion, the RIVM warns.
At the same time, 80 percent of the Dutch are not very concerned about their own health when it is hot, according to research by the Red Cross among almost 1,100 people. “While the dangers are lurking for everyone,” said the Red Cross. However, more than half of the respondents (51 percent) are concerned about vulnerable people in their environment in heat.
The organization emphasizes that it is important for everyone to know what to do in case of heat problems, not just for vulnerable groups such as the elderly. “The first step always remains the same: find the shade or a cool room. A foot bath also helps.”
It is expected to remain very warm in the coming days and the chance of a heat wave is high. The Heat Plan will probably remain active until after the weekend.
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