Closure of many services, heat wave in hospitals …: Belgium prepares for hot weather



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For the first time, a red alert in hot weather has been triggered in Belgium. In the face of this exceptional heat wave, several measures have been taken.

TheBelgium is preparing on Tuesday for a hot red alert, the highest level ever reached for the heatwave alert. This warning will be effective from midnight and will last the next four days. In the face of this exceptional heat wave, several measures have been taken.

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Belgian hospitals have thus activated the heat wave since Monday, says RTL. It will be effective at least until next week. "What is changing is that we hydrate a little more our patients," says Anne-Sophie Lacroix, head nurse of the CHR of Citadelle, at the microphone of RTL. Thus, 120 water fountains were installed throughout the Liège hospital.

Particular attention is paid to the elderly "because you have to know that as you get older, you lose the feeling of thirst," she says. Children in neonatology and maternity are obviously also targeted, adds the spokesman of CHR, Nathalie Everard, the RTBF.

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Measures are also taken regarding staff members: "For staff, adapted working hours and lighter work clothes are allowed depending on the service. People can telework, "says the spokesperson.

Many closed services in Brussels

Due to high temperatures, many departments of the City of Brussels will close at 13h on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, said Tuesday the spokesman of Bourgmestre Philippe Close, Wafaa Hammich.

However, several demography services will remain open to the public, notably those of the civil status, the population, the foreigners' office and the crèches.

Services that will only be open in the morning and until 1 pm are those whose workers are active outdoors. For example, those who deal with road works, cleanliness or parking meters.

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Rest homes on the lookout

The nursing homes also triggered the heat wave, reports RTL. The staff is even more attentive to the residents, who are particularly sensitive to the heat wave. Adapted clothing, more frequent hydration, reduced physical activity … Fans and air conditioners in the common rooms are also installed.

Getting hydrated, even when you're not thirsty, is the first rule to observe in times of high heat, and it's not just for the elderly.


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