Heat waves: Santé publique France issues a national update and prevention guidelines

As it does every year, from June 1 to August 31, Santé publique France coordinates the Heat Wave and Health Alert System in close collaboration with Météo-France. As part of this seasonal monitoring effort and during heat waves, Santé publique France issues national and regional updates summarizing the weather conditions and providing recommendations and prevention tips.

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Access the national epidemiological update

For real-time information on weather conditions, you can consult the Météo-France weather advisory map, which is updated at least twice a day at 6 a.m. and 4 p.m. on the following website: http://vigilance.meteofrance.com.

You can also consult Santé publique France’s behavioral and prevention recommendations on the following website: http://www.inpes.sante.fr/10000/themes/evenement_climatique/canicule/canicule-agir.asp

Santé publique France reminds everyone of these simple tips to follow. It is important to protect yourself, even when the heat is short-lived.

  • Drink water regularly without waiting until you are thirsty;

  • Cool off and wet your body (at least your face and forearms) several times a day;

  • Eat enough and avoid alcohol;

  • Avoid going outside during the hottest hours of the day and spend several hours a day in a cool place (movie theater, public library, supermarket, museum, etc.);

  • Avoid physical exertion;

  • Keep your home cool (close windows and shutters during the day; open them in the evening and at night if it’s cooler);

  • Be sure to check in with your loved ones regularly and, whenever necessary, don’t hesitate to ask for help;

  • Check the Météo-France website regularly for updates.

Reminder of the 'Heat Wave and Health Alert System'

The Heat Wave and Health Alert System (SACS), established under the National Heat Wave Plan (NHP), runs from June 1 to August 31. Activation of the National Heat Wave Plan’s alert levels is triggered when both the minimum and maximum biometeorological indices (IBM) are reached or exceeded on the same day. The IBM (min/max) values represent the average of the minimum and maximum temperatures forecast by Météo-France for the next three days (D, D+1, D+2). The main objective of this system is to prevent a significant impact of heat on public health by identifying alert thresholds based on daytime and nighttime temperatures above which the risk of death is likely to increase.