In Belgium: Adaptation and Prevention
In Belgium, the heat wave expected in the coming days has prompted the construction sector to be adapted in depth. Eight out of ten companies will modify their working hours, favor morning work or in a workshop, and establish regular breaks in the shade or in air -conditioned room. Employers are invited to provide fresh water and anti-UV clothing, and to be vigilant on handling heat sensitive materials such as concrete or paint. The Bouwunie Federation insists on the need to activate a “hot top plan” to guarantee the safety of workers.
Rail transportation also adapts: around twenty additional trains (P trains) will be deleted on Monday and Tuesday to ensure the safety and comfort of travelers, and to strengthen the troubleshooting teams. Travelers are invited to drink a lot of water, avoid travel during peak hours if possible, and favor air -conditioned trains on the busiest lines. The rail infrastructure is monitored 24 hours a day due to the risk of expansion of the air conditioning tracks and failures.
In many schools, schedules will be modulated and outdoor activities limited to shaded areas. Teachers ensure that children remain well hydrated, by encouraging the use of gourdes and caps. Water games and refreshing breaks are also organized, especially for the youngest. Certain municipalities, such as those under Wallonia Brussels education, even authorize parents to pick up their children from noon when the thermometer exceeds 34 ° C. In other cases, it is allowed to keep children at home during heat peaks.
Faced with the absence of uniform national instructions, the management of the heat wave in schools is therefore intended to be pragmatic and flexible, each establishment implementing the measures most suited to its reality and its infrastructure. The municipal authorities of the commune of Woluwe-Saint-Lambert, they decided to close the crèches of the town on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon, due to the planned temperature peaks. Parents are invited to come and get their child before 12:00 p.m.
The Royal Meteorological Institute provides for a UV index which will exceed eight on a scale of eleven, this Tuesday. So beware of sunburn.
The heat wave that crosses Europe illustrates the need for coordinated mobilization of public authorities, businesses and civil society.
