Cold snap in France: Santé publique France offers some advice on how to stay safe

The weather forecast predicts a cold snap over the next few days in several regions of France. These weather conditions carry a high risk of an increase in carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning cases. Santé publique France is reminding the public of the recommended precautions to take during snow, ice, and extreme cold, as well as the steps to follow to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

Published on 23 February 2018

Cold, snow, and ice

Cold snaps can affect certain regions or large parts of the country, sometimes bringing temperatures that vulnerable people need to protect themselves against. Cold weather can pose health risks. Santé publique France reminds the public of the proper precautions to take during periods of extreme cold and provides informational resources.

Learn more:

Precautions to take: /10000/themes/evenement_climatique/froid/index.asp

Information resources: /10000/themes/evenement_climatique/froid/campagne.asp

Cold and health monitoring system: /Dossiers-thematiques/Environnement-et-sante/Climat-et-sante/Froid-et-sante

For real-time updates on weather conditions: http://vigilance.meteofrance.com

Snow, ice, and extreme cold: http://vigilance.meteofrance.com/html/vigilance/guideVigilance/cc_neige_or.html

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, asphyxiating gas produced by the incomplete combustion of carbon-containing materials (gas, wood, coal, fuel oil, etc.).

Every year, several thousand people are victims of carbon monoxide poisoning in their homes from hot water heaters, heating systems, or cooking appliances. As temperatures drop, the risk of CO poisoning increases, particularly due to the use of supplemental heaters. To prevent poisoning, Santé publique France reiterates the following specific recommendations:

Regarding home insulation: do not block ventilation ducts;
on the use of supplemental heaters: - portable combustion heaters should not be used for more than two hours; - do not use makeshift heaters to warm the interior of your home (braziers, barbecues, combustion stoves);
do not overheat your home; heat it normally while ensuring proper ventilation to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.