Heatwave: protecting every member of the household

The official actions

According to the Ministry of Health, in a heatwave:

Action	In practice
Stay hydrated	Drink water regularly, without waiting to feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol, very sugary or caffeinated drinks.
Cool down	Wet your face and forearms several times a day, use a water spray, take room-temperature showers.
Eat normally	Don't skip meals even if appetite decreases; favour fruit, raw vegetables, cold soups.
Keep the home cool	Close shutters and windows facing the sun during the day, open widely at night once outside air cools down.
Avoid exposure	Stay in a cool place during the hottest hours; no intense physical activity between 12pm and 6pm.
Check in	Let relatives know you're okay, and check on isolated people.

Recognising heatstroke

Medical emergency, call emergency services: fever above 39°C, hot, red and dry skin (no sweating), intense headaches, dizziness, nausea, incoherent speech, unusual behaviour or loss of consciousness.

These symptoms can appear quickly, especially in vulnerable people. When in doubt, it's better to call than to wait.

The most exposed people

While heat affects everyone, some people regulate their temperature less well or feel thirst less:

Elderly people: see our guide on the municipal registry of vulnerable people, which triggers a priority contact during a heatwave.
Infants: never in an overheated room or a car, even for a few minutes.
Pregnant women.
People on medication, some of which can worsen the effects of heat.
People working outdoors.

Pets too

A pet doesn't regulate its temperature like a human. Always provide fresh water at will, avoid walks during hot hours, and never leave a pet in a car, even with the window slightly open.

Mistakes to avoid

Waiting to feel thirsty to drink. The sensation of thirst decreases with age, it's not a good indicator.
Airing out during the day rather than at night: this lets hot air in rather than releasing accumulated heat.
Leaving a child or pet in a car, even for a few minutes.
Drinking alcohol thinking it cools you down: it actually promotes dehydration.
Not checking on an isolated relative, without registering them on the municipal registry of vulnerable people.

With LASTLINE

The needs of each household member

LASTLINE can help you:

see the heatwave warnings concerning your area;
keep the specific needs of each household member (treatment, age) in one place.

LASTLINE doesn't replace medical advice: in case of a heatstroke sign, call emergency services.

Track my area's warnings

Frequently asked questions

What are the signs of heatstroke?

A fever above 39°C, hot, red and dry skin with no sweating, intense headaches, dizziness, nausea, incoherent speech or loss of consciousness. These are medical emergency signs: call emergency services immediately.

Who is most at risk during a heatwave?

Elderly people, infants, pregnant women, people on medication and those working outdoors are particularly vulnerable, because their bodies regulate temperature less well.

Is there a dedicated number for heatwave questions?

Yes, in France the Canicule info service platform answers questions at 0 800 06 66 66 (free call), Monday to Sunday from 9am to 7pm.

Sources

Santé.fr, Extreme heat and heatwaves: protecting yourself and your loved ones, dossier compiled with the Ministry of Health, Ameli.fr and Santé publique France.