Every summer, Santé publique France mobilizes in response to heat waves to monitor summer health risks and implement appropriate preventive measures. Regarding the current heat wave, we are seeing:

• an increase in emergency care visits for heat-related reasons (hyperthermia/heatstroke, dehydration, hyponatremia) across all age groups;

• an increase in cases of hyperthermia, particularly among those under 15 and those aged 15–44. Hyperthermia is a serious manifestation of overexposure to heat requiring emergency medical care.

Santé publique France reminds the public that these heat waves have an impact on health and an immediate effect on the body, regardless of age, and that it is essential to protect oneself by adjusting one’s activities and staying hydrated.

These rising temperatures encourage swimming and water activities, increasing the risk of accidental drowning and the number of drowning deaths. Simple precautions ensure safe swimming: actively and constantly supervise young children, follow safety guidelines, and be mindful of your physical condition.

What are some good habits everyone should adopt during heat waves?

• Drink water regularly, before you get thirsty

• Stay cool at home or in a cool place near your home (library, movie theater, stores, swimming pool, air-conditioned room, etc.) and avoid going out until late in the day

• Opt for low-impact activities

• Eat fresh, balanced meals

• Limit coffee or tea and avoid alcohol: these drinks promote dehydration

If you are part of a high-risk group (elderly, disabled), consider registering with your local municipality to receive assistance during periods of extreme summer heat.

In the home

During the day, blinds, shutters, curtains, and windows should be:

• Kept closed on the sunny side unless the home benefits from shade provided by a tree or external sun protection (awning, pergola, gazebo, umbrella, etc.). Limiting the sun’s impact on glass surfaces slows down the entry of heat into the room;

• Opened on the shaded side if this allows for cross-ventilation. In this case, hang a damp towel so that evaporation cools the air. If it is not possible to create cross-ventilation using only the windows on the shaded side, keep them closed.

As soon as outdoor temperatures are lower than indoor temperatures: open blinds, shutters, and windows wide to let in cool air and refresh the home.

Find more tips and advice on how to adapt your home or your physical activities when it’s hot—not just during heat waves—on the website: vivre-avec-la-chaleur.fr.

When traveling by car

• Travel during cooler hours

• Make sure to bring enough water for every trip

• Never leave anyone, especially a child, alone in a car, even for a short time

Specific advice for workers and employers

In addition to the direct effects of heat, fatigue caused by both heat and work can lead to reduced alertness and workplace accidents. To limit work-related accidents caused by weather conditions, employers are required to implement certain simple measures mandated by regulations (providing workers with a rest area suitable for the weather conditions, arranging the worksite to allow for breaks under equivalent safety conditions, etc.). The INRS provides resources to help employers take action and raise employee awareness.

• Learn more: www.inrs.fr/chaleur (information packet on working in extreme summer heat)

In addition, since June 1, a new decree has established guidelines for protecting public employees from the effects of heat.

Tools and informational resources for healthcare professionals

• What to Do During Heat Waves (poster)

• Heat waves and extreme heat: protect yourself before the first symptoms appear (brochure)

• Heat wave: protect yourself (poster), available in several languages (French, English, Arabic)

• Heat waves: preventing risks for vulnerable adults (guidelines for your practice)

• Heat waves and us: for the deaf (brochure)

• Extreme heat: preventing risks in older adults (brochure)

• Extreme heat: preventing risks in children (brochure)