Precautions to take in the face of heat waves

Updated on 06/14/2022

The Somme department will experience an episode of high heat in the coming days.
Heat has an immediate effect on the body, from the first increases in temperature: the impacts of heat on health are not limited to extreme phenomena.
Simple gestures help to avoid accidents. It is necessary to prepare BEFORE the first signs of bodily suffering, even if these signs seem insignificant.

The dangers of high heat

Exposure to high heat is an attack on the body.

When body temperature rises rapidly, a person can experience heat stroke, especially in vulnerable people (infants, children, pregnant women, (elderly or chronically ill), leading to a risk of dehydration.

People in good health (in particular athletes and manual workers exposed to heat) are not immune if they do not respect a few basic precautions.

The impact on children

Heat exposes infants and children to heat stroke and the risk of rapid dehydration.

Take precautions by limiting outings and respecting the general recommendations: stay cool and hydrated

Symptoms that should alert

Recommendations in case of hot weather

– Drink water several times a day;
– Continue to eat normally;

– Wet the body several times a day using an atomizer, a washcloth or by taking lukewarm showers or baths;
– Do not go out during the hottest hours (11 a.m. to 9 p.m.);
– Wear a hat and light clothing;
– Try to go to a cool or air-conditioned place for two to three hours a day, while continuing to respect physical distance and barrier gestures;
– Limit physical and sports activities;
– During the day, close shutters, curtains and windows. Ventilate at night;
– For the elderly, suffering from chronic or isolated illnesses, hear from them or visit them. Accompany them to a cool place;
– In the event of discomfort or behavioral problems, call a doctor.