Look out for each other: it's going to stay very hot over the next few days!

It’s going to be very hot in the Netherlands over the next few days, with temperatures well above 34 degrees. With this heat, it’s important to take extra good care of yourself, each other, and your pets. Some tips include drinking plenty of water and keeping your home cool.

Young Woman in the Sun

Why should we look out for each other even more?

Older adults, pregnant women, young children, and people who are sick, in particular, can be severely affected by the heat. Older adults, for example, often don’t realize they’re thirsty as quickly and can therefore become dehydrated more easily.
Health for a family member, or do you have a neighbor who has trouble taking care of themselves? If so, stop by to check on them a little more often over the next few days. Or give them a quick call to see how they’re doing and if there’s anything you can do to help. After all, not everyone asks for help on their own. Maybe your neighbor is having trouble opening the window, or your neighbor can’t manage to walk his dog. A small gesture can mean a lot.

Tips for Hot Weather

  • Keep drinking: Drink enough water, even if you aren't thirsty (yet). Tip: Put a glass of water on the table where you can see it. That way, you're less likely to forget.
  • Take it easy: don't do any heavy work or exercise. Especially not during the hottest part of the day, which is between 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. 
  • Stay in the shade as much as possible. For example, in a park or garden. 
  • Keep your house cool: Keep the windows closed during the day and draw the curtains or lower the blinds. Wait until the evening and at night, when it has cooled down outside, to open the windows and doors.

Pets

Just like people, animals can also suffer from hot weather. Make sure your pet doesn’t overheat. Overheating is dangerous and can even be fatal for pets. So be sure to give them plenty of water and keep them out of the sun. Health that your rabbit’s, bird’s, or other pet’s cage is in the shade.
Health of yourselves and each other these days!

You can find more helpful tips on coping with the heat on the GGD Leefomgeving website.