Key Points

The Heat Wave and Health Alert System (SACS) is the health component of the National Heat Wave Plan (PNC), led by the French Institute for Public Health Surveillance (InVS, integrated into Santé publique France as of May 1, 2016). SACS is activated annually from June 1 to August 31. In mainland France, three heat waves occurred in 2015: from June 29 to July 8, from July 13 to 23, and from August 5 to 9. In Brittany, no heat waves were observed during the summer. Only the department of Ille-et-Vilaine was placed under a yellow heat wave alert from 4:00 PM on June 29 to 6:00 AM on July 1. On June 30, there was a slight increase in emergency room visits for heat-related conditions across the entire region. Apart from that date, indicators remained low and relatively stable, around usual levels. The heat waves of summer 2015 in France serve as a reminder that heat peaks remain a significant health risk. The occurrence of a heat wave in Brittany could have significant consequences due to the population’s lack of awareness of this risk. Preparatory work for SACS 2016 is underway.