Heatwave alert: Ministry of Health activates special hotline to deal with extreme heat

This Saturday, August 10, 2024, the Ministry of Health activated the hotline dedicated to heatwaves. Temperatures of up to 41 °C are expected over the weekend and several departments in the south of France are placed on orange alert.

Advice, help, guidance… the hotline dedicated to heatwaves was reactivated by the Ministry of Health this Saturday, reports BFMTV. The goal: "Protect yourself and those around you."

Extreme heatwaves

This Friday at 2pm, the government activated a special hotline dedicated to heatwaves in France. The aim is to prevent heat stroke, advise people on what to do and avoid isolation for the most vulnerable people.

Heatwave hotline: 0800.06.66.66

Heatwave Info service is free and can be reached between 8am and 7pm.

While 16 departments are on orange alert at the start of the afternoon, temperatures are already reaching levels that are difficult to bear over time, particularly for seniors and children.

This issue brings together the recommendations of health services and provides guidance to those who have questions about this heatwave.

Orange alert

When temperatures are so high that they justify an orange alert level, additional precautions must be taken. Because “each of us is at risk, even healthy people”, warns Météo France.

The most vulnerable people need special attention: “The danger is greater for the elderly, people with chronic illnesses or mental health problems, people who regularly take medication, and isolated people.”

Be careful also if you work outside. For athletes, avoid the hottest hours of the day. It is important to continue eating normally while drinking plenty of water. Also, make sure to go to an air-conditioned place for two to three hours a day.

Heatwave hotline: 0800.06.66.66