Tips to prevent damage caused by a heatwave and prolonged drought

• A heatwave is when temperatures hit 25°C or higher for at least five consecutive days, reaching tropical levels (30°C or higher) for at least three of those days.  
• The longest heatwave ever measured in the Netherlands lasted 18 days, of which six were tropical days.
• In 2019, there were two heatwaves, one in July and one in August. The latter heatwave started on 23 August. Never before since measurements began had a heatwave started so late in the year.

A heatwave or prolonged drought can cause considerable financial damage. It can lead to your home subsiding, for example. Obviously, this is something you’d rather prevent, which is why we have several tips for you:

• Have the foundation of your home inspected in good time. A drought can cause the ground beneath your home to sink, leading to your home subsiding. If you catch it in time, you can prevent greater damage.
• Close your windows and doors properly when going out or going to bed. In summer, people are more likely to leave windows and doors open because of the heat. This makes it easier for thieves to steal your things.
• Hot spells are often followed by fierce thunderstorms with heavy rainfall locally. Always make sure that rainwater that falls on your outdoor seating area runs off into your garden and keep an eye out for any signs of subsidence in your garden.
• Regularly check your gutters, roof and roofing lead during prolonged hot periods. The heat can cause small cracks. Regular inspections will help you spot cracks early and prevent more extensive damage.
• Make sure your paintwork is in good condition. Prolonged heat will make paint dry out and cause cracks. Any moisture penetrating into the wood can cause rot in your woodwork.

Having your car break down on you is always very inconvenient, especially when you’re on holiday or need your car to get to work. Luckily, regular maintenance can spare you a great deal of despair and hassle. We again have some useful tips for you:

• Take your car in for a thorough check-up before you go on holiday. This will prevent worse damage en route.
• Check the traffic before you set off. After all, you don’t want to be standing still unnecessarily in a heatwave.
• Prevent your car from overheating by regularly checking the coolant level.

• Take an umbrella or a parasol with you. This way you can always create a bit of shade for yourself.
• Prevent yourself from getting dehydrated by drinking plenty of water. Make sure you have sufficient water with you in the car.
• Don’t set the air conditioning to more than 6°C below the outside temperature. Otherwise you might get a cold, a headache or a sore throat.
• Never leave passengers and/or pets behind in a closed car.