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De Hitteverklikker, Source: antwerpen.be

Antwerp with smart warning system for heatwaves

Antwerp with smart warning system for heatwaves

The Belgian city experiments with an innovative system tailored to the needs of vulnerable groups

The urban laboratory Stadslab2050 in Antwerp launched an experimental warning system for heatwaves. It is tailored to the needs of young children, the elderly and caregivers. The Hitteverklikker is an innovative solution being tested this summer in the Sint-Andries district, located in the Antwerp Smart Zone.

Thus, De Hitteverklikker is a website that warns about periods of hot days and heat waves an gives an overview of tips on how to protect against the heat. Based on current climate forecasts from the Flemish Institute for Technological Development (VITO) and measurements by smart sensors from the Antwerp Smart Zone (the Sint-Andrieswijk), the heat indicator offers the following information:

  • Currently measured temperature in the Antwerp Smart Zone and a local temperature forecast for the next 5 days;
  • Heat stress level which depends on the temperature perception (the measured temperature plus direct solar radiation, humidity, wind, etc.) In other words, it determines how people experience the heat;
  • Heat warning when one of the official heat thresholds is exceeded. Then the test audience gets tips depending on the time of day.

Furthermore, Hitteverklikker offers an interactive map on which all places that are important during warm periods are indicated: drinking water points, medical posts, family doctors, hospitals and pharmacists, but also cool outdoor and indoor areas within walking distance. Cool outdoor areas are shaded and green places which are open to the public during the day and are usually equipped with a sofa. In the cool indoor spaces, an initiative of residents and organizations in the neighbourhood, young people, parents with young children and the elderly can come to cool off at certain times. These places are accessible for free and are easily recognizable thanks to a logo.

The portal is accessible at hitteverklikker.antwerpen.be

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