Aug. 12 National Heat Plan active
Heat plan: what is it and why important
The National Heat Plan is a warning system of the RIVM. It signals when a period of sustained heat is expected, especially between May and September.
Purpose of the heat plan
The plan is there to reduce health risks, especially among vulnerable people such as the elderly, the chronically ill and children. This way you will be warned in time and we can activate care protocols in the pharmacy.
Signals and phases
The RIVM chooses three phases when it comes to heat:
- Begin heat season: from May to September receive information via media and health care providers
- Warning: If there is a chance of several days >27 °C, health care providers will receive a signal
- Warning: if National Heat Plan is activated, pharmacies and family doctors will receive information and tips
Role of pharmacy
As a pharmacy, we are extra vigilant during heat periods. We advise on:
- In estimating symptoms: headache, dizziness, dehydration; if worse, call your doctor
- Adapting medication use: medications may work differently in heat, such as blood pressure or urinary pills. We advise whether adjustment is necessary
- Medications storage
First aid for heat: practical tips
- Heat: fatigue, headache, edema. Take it easy, cool body with footbath or lukewarm water and drink well. Do the symptoms persist? Call your doctor
- Heat exhaustion: fainting, cramping, pale skin, rapid heartbeat. Stop activity, seek shade, drink in small sips and cool body with wet cloths. Does the problem persist? Call your doctor
- Heat stroke: especially dangerous. With >39 °C, nausea, no sweat, red skin, convulsions or loss of consciousness: call 112
How do we help you from the pharmacy?
- Personalized advice: we look at your medication use and health
- Information: you can find more information on this website and also look at RIVM.nl
- Signaling function: we know when the Heat Plan is active; then extra alert to vulnerable people
How to stay prepared?
- Follow warnings through media or our advice at the pharmacy
- Make arrangements with family or neighbors: check in on each other regularly
- Control your medication use: let us know if you are thirsty or have less urine
- Cool your environment: close curtains during the day, open at night, provide ventilation
Role of collaborating parties
The pharmacy advisory is part of a wider network: RIVM, KNMI, general practitioners, GGD, Red Cross and pharmacies work together to deal with heat. When the National Heat Plan is active, it means: pay extra attention. The pharmacy helps with advice on medication use and storage.
Questions?
Please feel free to ask. We're happy to help.
