Orange heatwave vigilance in the Gers

Updated on 06/15/2022

In connection with the local authorities, the security and emergency forces and the approved civil security associations, the prefect has therefore decided to implement the departmental ORSEC plan for high temperatures.
It calls for vigilance and recalls the good reflexes to adopt to protect oneself, avoid risky behavior and watch over the health of the most vulnerable. This particularly early phenomenon involves risks for each of us: dehydration, heat stroke but also drowning and fires in natural or agricultural areas.
If you know elderly, isolated, disabled or fragile people, check in with them or visit them regularly and encourage them to register on the register set up by each town hall in order to receive help.

The right reflexes to best fight against the consequences of the heat:

• Drink water regularly (1.5 l/d) without waiting to feel thirsty;
• Cool off and wet your body (at least your face and forearms) several times a day (foggers…);
• Eat enough and don’t drink alcohol;
• Avoid going out during the hottest hours and spend several hours a day in a cool place (cinema, library-media library, shops, museum, etc.);
• Avoid physical and sporting activities during the hottest hours (12 noon – 4 pm) and in direct sunlight;
• Keep your home cool (close windows and shutters during the day, open them in the evening and at night if it is cooler);
• Remember to regularly give your news to your loved ones and, when necessary, dare to ask for help;
• Regularly consult the Météo-France website (https://vigilance.meteofrance.fr/fr/gers) for information.
Upstream of hot weather, vulnerable people should not hesitate, in conjunction with those around them, to seek advice from their doctor, especially in the event of a health problem or regular drug treatment (dose adjustment for example).

Symptoms of heat stroke

• Headache
• Cramps
• Nausea

Risk of hydrocution and drowning

Hydrocution is a frequent accident that occurs in the summer. It corresponds to a sudden cooling often occurring following too rapid entry into the water and due to too great a difference in temperature between the skin and the water. This thermal shock can lead to unconsciousness in the water and lead to drowning.
A few signs may precede hydrocution. Unfortunately, they are too often neglected. These are: headaches, cramps, anxiety,… Faced with the appearance of one of these signs, all swimmers must approach the beach and get out of the water as quickly as possible.

Consult the departmental heat wave management plan

Find all the recommendations:

http://solidarites-sante.gouv.fr/sante-et-environnement/risques-climatiques/canicule

https://www.ars.sante.fr/

https://www.santepubliquefrance.fr/

http://travail-emploi.gouv.fr/actualites/l-actualite-du-ministere/article/canicule-et-fortes-chaleurs-protegez-vous