Extreme weather

Thunderstorms can take place during rainfall, and then certainly in the summer. The heaviest showers may also contain hail and severe to very severe gusts of wind. During such hail and thunderstorms it is better to stay indoors. On average 1 to 2 people are struck by lightning in our country every year. Large hailstones and heavy gusts of wind can destroy crops, sheds and sometimes even houses.

During hot summer periods, overheating and heat stroke are also possible, certainly in the case of untrained people who engage in physical activities. The elderly and children are generally more sensitive to high temperatures than other age groups. Hypothermia can occur both in the summer and in the winter. In the summer, unexpected thunderstorms on a hot day can cause temperatures to drop considerably. Wet clothing in combination with the drastic decrease in temperature can have dangerous consequences. The same applies to a poorly dressed walker who ends up in a sudden snowstorm.

Mist and iciness can result in a greater chance of accidents on the road.

Wildfires

A wildfire may surprise visitors to a particular area and may surround them. During a dry period, a wildfire can develop quickly and unpredictably. The impact of an uncontrollable wildfire can be huge. All kinds of people (residents, visitors, employees and members of the emergency services) may be exposed to the fire itself, or the smoke it produces.

Earthquakes

The most serious earthquake in the Netherlands took place on 13 April 1992 and had its epicentre near Roermond. It measured 5.8 on the Richter scale. Earthquakes in our country generally measure 1 or 2 to a maximum of 4 on the Richter scale. The damage caused by the most serious earthquakes generally consists of cracks in walls, jammed doors, broken gutters and defects to sewers and other pipelines.

Another form of damage is mental damage. A lot of the people who suffered earthquake damage to their house no longer feel safe or at ease in their home. Damage can, therefore, lead to health issues. People who live in the province of Groningen who have suffered damage on several occasions as a result of gas extraction are likely to suffer one and a half times more from sleeplessness, irritation, concentration problems and physical issues than people in the same province who have not suffered damage. Well over 4,000 residents from throughout the entire province answered questions about their appreciation of their living environment, their experience with earthquakes and reporting damage, their feeling of safety and psychological and physical health. The National Coordinator for Groningen was commissioned by the University of Groningen to work on this together with, among others, the Municipal Health Service and the Security Region. The complaints which occur among 14 percent of residents of the province of Groningen with multiple damage are irritability, abdominal or stomach problems, muscle or joint problems, palpitations, or negative feelings such as depression or a lack of control over their lives.

Extreme weather

The Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI) issues weather warnings to ensure that the Netherlands stays safe and accessible. The Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute issues various warnings for rain, iciness, snow, thunderstorms, gusty conditions, heat and cold, poor visibility and downpours. The warnings are issued per region (often per province). These warnings are assigned colour codes. Code yellow stands for 'be alert'. This warning appears, at the earliest, 48 hours before the weather phenomenon in question may occur with a certainty of at least 60 percent. Code orange means: 'be prepared'. This warning appears, at the earliest, 24 hours before the weather phenomenon in question may occur with a certainty of at least 60 percent. Code red stands for: 'take action'. This weather alarm is issued in the event of a possibly major weather impact on society and appears, at the earliest, 12 hours before the weather phenomenon in question may occur.

During periods of extreme weather conditions the municipality will coordinate the emergency services. In the event of a major impact, the Security Region will take control. The municipalities and Directorate-General for Public Works and Water Management [Rijkswaterstaat] are responsible for winter maintenance of the roads, while Prorail is responsible for ensuring that platforms and railways are accessible.

Heat wave plan

RIVM and the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute draw up a national hot weather plan together with other parties. They use it to inform care institutions quickly about the risk of a long-term period of hot weather so that measures can be taken on time.

Wildfires

A wildfire requires good cooperation between the fire brigade, municipalities, the Ministry of Defence, site managers, leisure industry businesses, farmers, machinery contractors, the police and medical services. This is all coordinated by the Security Region.

Earthquakes

The Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute registers all seismic activity in the Netherlands. Warnings are not given. However, all warnings are translated into seismograms and ShakeMaps.

Liability and insurance

Although you can insure yourself against the consequences of natural risks, you should check the policy conditions carefully to see what is and is not insured. For example, you have to have properly maintained your possessions.

In the event of heat

• Drink a lot. Drink mainly water and drink at least two litres a day.
• Wear loose clothing and preferably clothing which is properly breathable, for example cotton and linen.
• Avoid intense effort.
• Avoid any effort during the warmest hours of the day.
• Keep cool in your car and do not leave any animals and children behind in your car, not even for a few minutes.
• Make sure your vulnerable neighbours are okay.

In the event of thunderstorms

• Stay inside if at all possible, or go and sit in your car.
• Do not take a shower when a thunderstorm is passing over because you may get an electric shock.
• If you are nevertheless in the open, squat down with your feet together when the thunderstorm pasts.

In the event of a wildfire

• Call 112 and tell the person responding your location.
• Do not try to extinguish the fire yourself.
• Walk away at right angles to the direction the fire is coming from.
• In the event of a wildfire a safe place will be the public highway or a built-up area.
• Prevent wildfires by not throwing away cigarette butts when in the countryside.

In the event of an earthquake

• Stay away from windows, mirrors and exterior walls.
• If necessary, use your arms to protect your head.
• Check yourself and others for injuries. If you are in any doubt call 112.