Extreme weather

Extreme cold or heat, rainfall, wind gusts, severe thunderstorms, snow or black ice. In the Netherlands, we increasingly face extreme weather conditions. This is partly due to climate change. The consequences can be major. Trees fall down, roads become slippery and accidents happen.

Think ahead

Keep an eye on the weather forecast. Check www.knmi.nl for warnings.
Put together an emergency kit.
If you are going somewhere, take a mobile phone and charger with you.
Make sure there is always a blanket, a warm coat, an umbrella and a bottle of water in your car.
Your house should also be well protected from extreme weather like wind and rain. Make sure no items can come loose on or near your home.
If it is within your budget, there are also several options for cooling your house, visit www.milieucentraal.nl (information in Dutch only).
Keep animals in mind. Make sure there is a place where they are well sheltered or take them with you. Make sure they have enough food and drink for 48 hours.

During extreme weather

During a code red (weather alert), stay at home if you can.
Are you at home? Then stay indoors, which is safest. And let people and animals take shelter.
If you do have to go out, bring enough food and drink, a blanket, extra clothes and a mobile phone with charger. Let others know where you are going and via which route.
Only call 112 in the event of a life-threatening situation. If there is no emergency, but you need the fire brigade for storm damage or flooding, call 0900-0904.
Report damage to your insurance only after extreme weather.

Government actions

KNMI warns of extreme weather with a colour code. There are three colour codes: yellow, orange and red (weather alarm).
When a weather alarm is issued, not only the weather forecast is considered, but also the expected impact on road and rail traffic and public safety.
If necessary, KNMI issues warnings for hazardous weather per province.