Key Development

Heat Wave and Health Alert System (SACS) 2014 Established in the summer of 2004 following the 2003 heat wave, the Heat Wave and Health Alert System (SACS) is integrated into the National Heat Wave Plan (PNC). SACS is coordinated by the InVS in close collaboration with Météo-France- It is based on a coordinated assessment of meteorological and health risks, using heat-related mortality and morbidity indicators monitored daily. The PNC’s seasonal alert level is activated from June 1 to August 31, unless specific weather conditions warrant its activation outside this period. As in the previous year, the PNC levels are modeled after those of the meteorological alert system:

• Level 1: Seasonal Watch corresponds to the green heat wave alert level on the Météo-France alert map;

• Level 2: Heat Advisory corresponds to the yellow heat wave alert level if there is a high probability of the alert being upgraded to orange in the coming days;

• Level 3: Heatwave Alert, triggered by departmental prefects in coordination with Regional Health Agencies (ARS), based on the transition to an orange heatwave alert;

• Level 4: Maximum mobilization corresponds to a transition to a red heatwave alert.

During the SACS, continuous monitoring of health indicators (mortality and morbidity) allows for an assessment of the potential impact of heat waves. These indicators will be presented in this bulletin starting next week.