In a press release published on Sunday, Marisol Touraine announced the activation of a “Heat wave” information telephone platform. It can be reached on 0800 06 66 66.
With 36 ° C in Burgundy and 37 ° C in Auvergne on Wednesday, the next few days will be very hot in France. Météo-France is forecasting a heat wave that will affect around 45 departments, mainly in the center and the west.
7 departments are already in orange vigilance (heat wave alert) and 36 departments in yellow vigilance (heat warning). In a statement released Sunday, the Ministry of Health specifies that “these high temperatures could gradually shift to the east during the week”.
“The particular meteorological conditions and the levels of vigilance they entail will be updated daily by Météo-France in the coming days,” he adds.
0800 06 66 66
But in anticipation of these high temperatures, the Ministry of Health has just set up a specific device. It consists of the launch of a “Heat wave” information telephone platform, accessible on 0800 06 66 66.
It was activated this Monday from 10 a.m. (free call from a landline in France, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.) to answer questions and provide information on the health recommendations to be followed during periods of extreme heat.
Marisol Touraine reiterates, moreover, the simple advice to adopt by all in order to better fight against the consequences of the heat (see box below).
Simple advice to adopt
-Drink regularly water without waiting to be thirsty;
-Refresh yourself and wet your body (at least the face and forearms) several times a day;
-Eat in sufficient quantity and do not drink alcohol ;
-Avoid going out during the hottest hours and spend several hours a day in a cool place (cinema, municipal library, supermarket, museum, etc.);
-Avoid physical efforts ;
-Keep your accommodation cool (close windows and shutters during the day, open them in the evening and at night if it is cooler);
-Think to give you regular news to your loved ones and, when necessary, dare to ask for help;
-Consult the Météo-France website regularly to inform you and follow the recommendations of the local authorities (prefecture or regional health agency).
Older people more sensitive
The ministry is also adding some specific advice for frail people (people over 65, disabled or sick people at home, dependent people, pregnant women, parents of young children, etc.), in conjunction with those around them. This undoubtedly in order to avoid the terrible heat wave of 2003 (approximately 15,000 deaths in France)
-Provide the necessary equipment to fight against the heat: fogger, fan….
-Make a list of air-conditioned (or cool) places to cool off near their homes: supermarkets, shops, cinema, museums….
The latter should not hesitate to seek advice from their doctor, especially in the event of a health problem or regular drug treatment (adjustment of doses for example).
Finally, if you know isolated fragile people, encourage them to register on the list made available to them by each town hall in order to receive help from volunteers, and, during the heat wave, check in with them regularly. .
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