Heat Wave: Precautions to Take

Weather forecasts predict an intense heat wave across the country, one that will last longer than the previous one and affect a large part of the country. On August 6, Météo-France placed 45 departments under an orange alert and 34 under a yellow alert. At 4:00 p.m. on August 7, Météo-France upgraded 9 departments to a red alert, 53 to orange, and 22 to yellow.

On August 7 at 4 p.m., Météo-France placed 9 departments under a red alert, 53 under an orange alert, and 22 under a yellow alert. Santé publique France is reminding the public of simple precautions to take—which apply to everyone, including healthy individuals—to best mitigate the effects of the heat on oneself and those around them, while continuing to follow COVID-19 safety measures.

The current heat wave is characterized by very high temperatures at night:

  • Close windows and shutters as long as it is hotter outside than inside

  • Wet your body with a damp cloth, even while sleeping

  • Drink regularly, even if you aren’t thirsty

Find all the advice in the box “Everything you need to know about behavioral and prevention recommendations.”

For real-time weather updates, you can check the Météo-France weather advisory map, which is updated at least twice a day at 6 a.m. and 4 p.m.: http://vigilance.meteofrance.com.

It is important to protect yourself, even when the heat is short-lived. These preventive measures apply to everyone, but especially to vulnerable individuals (people over the age of 65, people with disabilities or medical conditions, those requiring care, pregnant women, young children, and the homeless) and to workers exposed to heat, who are at greater risk of developing complications.

Everything You Need to Know About Behavioral and Prevention Guidelines

  • Drink water regularly without waiting until you’re thirsty;

  • Cool off and wet your body (at least your face and forearms) several times a day;

  • Keep your home cool (close windows and shutters during the day, open them in the evening and at night if it’s cooler);

  • Eat enough and avoid alcohol;

  • Choose the coolest times of day to go outside, and if it’s hot at home, spend several hours a day in a cool place (movie theater, public library, supermarket, museum, etc.), while remembering to follow safety guidelines to protect yourself from COVID-19;

  • Avoid physical exertion;

  • Remember to check in regularly with your loved ones, and don’t hesitate to ask for help whenever necessary;

In the car and during long trips

  • Never leave anyone alone in a car, especially a child, as the temperature inside the vehicle can rise very quickly;

  • If possible, schedule your trip for cooler times of the day;

  • Remember to bring water and a spray bottle with you on car trips;

  • Stop regularly to rest and cool off: some highway rest areas have water fountains or misting stations available

If you experience warning signs (cramps, unusual fatigue, nausea, vomiting, headaches, etc.)

  • Stop all physical activity and move to a cool place

  • Drink

  • Cool off with a damp cloth, a mist sprayer, a shower, etc.

  • Call a doctor if symptoms persist for more than 1 hour or worsen

  • If you see someone who is feeling unwell or speaking incoherently, call 911

Because of the risk of rapid dehydration, be sure to keep infants and children protected from the heat at all times

  • Offer them something to drink regularly;

  • Choose the coolest times of day to go outside;

  • If you must go outside, dress them in lightweight clothing that covers their arms and legs, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses (children under two years of age should not be exposed to the sun);

  • Never leave them in a poorly ventilated room or a vehicle, even for a very short time;

  • If swimming is planned, always swim with your children;

During the summer of 2018, 72% of drownings and 45% of drownings resulting in death in private family pools involved children under the age of 6. Among these children, 73% of drownings occurred during swimming activities. For more information, see the thematic report on drowning.

Due to the risk of heatstroke, athletes of all levels should adjust their exercise routines

  • Avoid any physical activity in the sun or during the hottest hours of the day;

  • Stay hydrated regularly: before, during, and after physical exercise;

  • Splash water on yourself regularly, especially on your face and the back of your neck;

Due to the risk of impaired heat acclimatization, people with chronic illnesses or those on regular medication should consult their primary care physician or pharmacist

Information on medications is available on the website of the National Agency for Drug and Health Product Safety.

For workers most at risk

Adjustments are necessary to limit exposure to extreme heat, and employers must implement measures. This information is available on the Ministry of Health’s website, and measures to be implemented by employers are available on the Ministry of Labor’s website.