Vulnerable groups better protected during prolonged heatwaves

Logistics and safety

The development of the heat plan went hand-in-hand with an elaborate information campaign using various means, such as direct mailings, flyers, posters, drinking bottles and social media content. The objective was to use low-threshold means to make seniors aware of the health risks associated with prolonged heatwaves, but also to point out to their immediate circle that older family members may need additional attention. The ‘cooled locations’ pilot also formed part of the heat plan, although this will later continue as an independent project. For this pilot we actively started looking for ‘cool’ locations/buildings that can operate as ‘cooling centers’ during a heatwave. This includes places of worship, libraries and government buildings. Of course this would require the necessary arrangements to be made, for example in terms of logistics and safety. The pilot project produced valuable insights and identified areas requiring attention.

Flawless rollout

Naturally, the municipality of The Hague is not going to take out the operating script only once temperatures start rising. Indeed, the plan’s smooth implementation depends on making effective preparations, including timely consultation among all parties and the identification and distribution of all required materials. Only once this structure is effectively in place can the rollout be carried out flawlessly. The evaluation will follow in the autumn, so that the heat plan will require attention throughout virtually the entire year.