While Météo France forecasts a further rise in temperatures in the coming days, the government has activated its public information system.
With temperatures forecast according to Météo France up to 12 degrees above seasonal norms, the government was quick to respond. The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health therefore activated its public information system on Sunday. The 0800 06 66 66 telephone platform (free call from a landline in France) will operate from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. to give the main recommendations to withstand the hot weather.
The people most sensitive to high temperatures are the elderly, disabled or sick, who must follow these tips: close windows and shutters during the day, drink water regularly and frequently without waiting to be thirsty, cool off by getting wet at least the face and forearms several times a day. It is also advisable to spend several hours a day in a cool place (cinema, municipal library, supermarket, etc.), and to avoid going out during the hottest hours and practicing physical activity. The goal of these tips is to avoid being exposed to extreme heat and to stay hydrated.
In older characters, changes in usual behavior, great weakness or fatigue are among the signs of dehydration to look out for. Infants, young children and workers exposed to heat are also at greater risk of dehydration.
The information system was put in place as part of the National Heatwave Plan which is triggered every year on June 1. Its objective is to prevent the recurrence of the heatwave of 2003 which caused the death of 15,000 people.
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