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Everyone is at risk
Red heat wave vigilance concerns proven and exceptional heat waves, very intense and long-lasting with collateral effects in different sectors (drought, drinking water supply, saturation of hospitals or funeral directors, power failure, forest fires, need for organization of working time or stoppage of certain activities, etc.). This situation requires the implementation of exceptional measures.
Red heat wave vigilance is not decided solely on temperature parameters. Météo-France indicates that it intervenes when everyone is likely to be threatened. We also need feedback from the field to find out if there are already consequences (in particular the congestion of hospitals). Météo-France is not the sole decision maker of this measure, but is collaborating with the ministry of health.
Heat wave in France: our file
France is facing an “abnormal” heat wave for the period, caused by global warming. In the Southwest, temperatures are expected to exceed 40°C. An increasingly frequent phenomenon and which is not without risk for health.
What consequences, what risks?
Red vigilance concerns everyone, even subjects in good health, says the government. A sharp rise in temperature can endanger people at risk (elderly people, disabled people, people with chronic illnesses, people who regularly take medication and isolated people). Athletes or people who work outside are asked to be careful of heatstroke and finally it is recommended to watch over children.
The consequences can be numerous in the event of an intense and lasting increase in temperatures. Namely, symptoms of dehydration (muscle cramps, exhaustion which results in dizziness, weakness, unusual tendencies towards insomnia), but also heatstroke or hyperthermia. They occur when the body can no longer regulate its temperature and it rises rapidly. Heat stroke is identified by unusual aggressiveness, hot, red and dry skin, headaches, nausea, drowsiness and intense thirst, finally, confusion, convulsions and loss of consciousness.
Ministry of Interior
What are the steps to take for yourself?
The government advises to avoid dehydration and heatstroke and to protect yourself from heatwave red vigilance:
– Obviously you have to drink water several times a day and continue to eat normally.
– Wear a hat and light clothing when outdoors.
– It is also recommended to wet the body several times a day using an atomizer, a washcloth or by taking showers or baths, be careful not cold but lukewarm.
– It is also advisable not to go out during the hottest hours, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
– If you decide to brave the heat, try to go to a cool or air-conditioned place two to three times a day.
– It is also necessary to limit as much as possible your physical and sporting activities which increase your body temperature a little more.
– At the end of the day, keep the shutters, curtains and windows closed at home and ventilate at night.
And for the others?
If in your entourage you have elderly people, suffering from chronic or isolated illnesses, regularly check in with them or visit them. Also try to accompany them in a cool place. In case of discomfort or behavioral problems, do not hesitate to call a doctor. Finally, to prevent vegetation fires, do not use any equipment likely to produce sparks and be careful not to behave in any way that could cause fires to start (cigarette, barbecue, etc.). In the event of a fire starting, immediately call 112 or 18 and take shelter.
Red Vigilance: a first for the South West departments
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