An exceptional and early heat wave has started to hit France and should last until the weekend. Temperatures are expected to approach or even exceed the 40°C mark in part of the territory. Twelve departments have already been placed on yellow heat wave vigilance by Météo France, Wednesday June 15, particularly in the South-West. The heat wave alert, equivalent to orange vigilance, has not yet been triggered.
Faced with this episode, Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne brought together the prefects and regional health agencies on Tuesday to ensure “that all the devices are in place” to protect the most vulnerable. Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin sent a telegram to the prefects to invite them to mobilize “personally”. Here are the main prevention and monitoring measures that have already been taken or requested by the authorities.
In National Education: water for baccalaureate candidates to avoid “heat stroke”
The baccalaureate written exams began on Wednesday morning with philosophy. Upstream, the Minister of National Education, Pap Ndiaye, had met with the rectors of the academy. “Special attention will be paid to the health of the students”, assured the ministry in a press release. The heads of the examination center have been called upon to enforce the instructions provided in the event of high heat, “while ensuring the smooth running of the events”. In particular, they are asked toensure that the candidates have drinking water available and/or allow them to leave the room to quench their thirst”. “We will know how to be attentive, declare to World Bruno Bobkiewicz, spokesperson for SNPDEN-Unsa, union of management staff. “We are more worried about the anticipated French test, which will take place in the afternoon of June 16, than for philosophy.
The caution instruction does not only apply to baccalaureate holders, but also to students for whom the courses continue, in particular “the youngest” and “the most fragile”, adds the ministry. In general, directors and heads of establishments must identify the premises least exposed to heat, keep the blinds or shutters closed when the facade is sunny and limit the opening of windows. They are asked to pay attention “signs of heat stroke” (weakness, fatigue, dizziness, vertigo, nausea, cramps…).
In nursing homes: vigilance for the hydration of residents
The concern also concerns nursing homes, where teams are on the front line to protect residents. “The transmissions between the agents and the caregivers several times a day make it possible to know who has drunk or not, who has eaten well or little, in order to be able at any time to regulate this consumption as best as possible in relation to the risk of dehydration”explains to France 3 Nouvelle-Aquitaine Olivia Merle, coordinating doctor of the Ehpad du Mas de Rome in Limoges (Haute-Vienne).
The “blue plan”, which has existed since 2005, is triggered each year in establishments receiving an elderly or at-risk public. It makes it possible to release resources in the event of an exceptional situation, such as a heat wave. An emergency liaison file must be in place and remain accessible to physicians at all times.
In companies: a call for vigilance, especially for outdoor work
In the event of strong heat, employers must adapt their organization to limit worker exposure, for example by arranging staggered hours or increasing the frequency of breaks. The Ministry of Labor, which recalled the recommendations at the beginning of June, also advises to favor teleworking when possible. Outside, the company must provide a room to accommodate employees and provide at least three liters of water per day and per person. At the end of May, the ministry had sent instructions to labor inspectors, inviting them to be vigilant about protection against climatic conditions when working outdoors, access to drinks, but also the prohibition for employers to assign young people to work “exposing them to extreme temperatures”.
If a department is placed on red alert, the employer must then reassess the risks every day, for each of its employees. If it is impossible to take all the precautions, the activity must be suspended and companies can resort to the partial activity or recovery of lost hours system.
In cities: a request to set up cool islands
“The metropolises being areas particularly exposed to very high temperatures, you will promote the establishment of islands of coolness”wrote Minister Gérald Darmanin to the prefects. “We bought foggers, which have just arrived”, explains for example the municipality of Bordeaux. The city will install them “in public spaces, both in city squares which are ovens, or spaces such as kindergarten dormitories and senior residence halls”explains to AFP Sylvie Justome, assistant in charge of Health and Seniors.
Town halls are also required to have a register listing certain vulnerable people (over 65s, over 60s recognized as unfit for work and disabled adults). However, it is advisable to approach the town halls to request its registration.
The Ministry of Health has also posted visuals online to advise individuals on the best ways to protect themselves from high temperatures. A telephone platform for information on this subject, Heat wave info service, is available during heat episodes, on 0 800 06 66 66 (free call from a landline), every day from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. In case of discomfort, the authorities advise to call 15 directly.