Heat wave: It is important to take precautions during this exceptionally intense heat wave

As forecast, nearly the entire country is experiencing a heat wave.

This heat wave—unprecedented in both its early onset and the extreme intensity of the heat day and night—requires us to adjust our habits to protect ourselves and ensure we can continue to care for the most vulnerable people around us. Here’s a reminder of the situation and some simple tips to follow…

This early heatwave, arriving while children are still in school, requires a reevaluation of certain daily habits. You’ll need to adjust your lifestyle (prioritizing cooler hours) and limit physical activity, plan your travel arrangements (especially for vacation departures), and carry water and a spray bottle with you.

In fact, the heat is harder to bear when it arrives early in the summer because the body isn’t yet accustomed to it, even for healthy people. It is therefore essential to avoid exposure to the heat, to drink plenty of fluids, and to cool off by wetting your skin (showers, damp cloths, etc.). It is helpful to rest for a few hours each day in cooler rooms (25–26°C).

This heat wave is characterized by very high nighttime temperatures, which make it difficult to rest. Keep your home cool by opening the windows early in the morning and closing the windows and shutters during the day.

To best combat the effects of the heat across all departments under yellow and orange alerts, Santé publique France lists several recommendations:

Precautions to Take

  • 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;

  • Eat enough and avoid alcohol;

  • Avoid going out during the hottest hours of the day and spend several hours a day in a cool place (movie theater, public library, supermarket, museum, etc.);

  • Avoid physical exertion;

  • Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing, and if you go outside, protect yourself from the sun (sunglasses, hat, sunscreen);

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

  • If you use public transportation, remember to bring water and a spray bottle with you and make sure children stay hydrated

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

  • For real-time heat wave alerts, you can consult the Météo-France heat wave alert map, which is updated at least twice a day at 6 a.m. and 4 p.m.: http://vigilance.meteofrance.com.

When driving and on long trips

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

  • Stop regularly to rest and cool off;

  • At some highway rest areas, water fountains or misting stations are available;

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

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

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 spray bottle, a shower, etc.

  • Call a doctor if symptoms persist for more than 1 hour or worsen, or if you have a heart condition

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

Everything You Need to Know About Behavioral and Prevention Guidelines

These guidelines apply to everyone, including healthy individuals, because this affects us all.

They apply particularly to vulnerable individuals (people over 65, people with disabilities or illnesses, dependent individuals, pregnant women, young children, homeless people, etc.) and to workers exposed to heat, who are at higher risk of complications.

It is important to protect children during school hours by encouraging them to drink fluids and cool off by wetting their skin. They should also be encouraged to stay in the shade and avoid physical activity.