🌡️ Why should you be vigilant during a heatwave?

A heatwave is a period of extreme heat that lasts for several days, both day and night.

When temperatures remain high for several days, the body has more difficulty regulating its temperature. This can lead to dehydration, discomfort, headaches, or, in the most severe cases, heatstroke¹.

Some people are more at risk:

• Elderly people
• Infants and young children
• Pregnant women
• People with chronic illnesses
• People experiencing homelessness or living in poorly insulated housing
• Outdoor workers

Remember: even if you don't feel thirsty, it's important to drink regularly throughout the day.

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Warning signs

Some symptoms should be taken seriously:

• Unusual fatigue
• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Cramps
• High body temperature
• Confusion or loss of consciousness

Key takeaway: If you feel unwell or are unsure, contact emergency services immediately.

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💧 How to effectively protect yourself from the heat?

A few simple steps can help reduce the risks associated with heatwaves² :

• Drink water regularly, without waiting until you're thirsty.
• Avoid physical exertion during the hottest hours of the day, generally between 11 AM and 8 PM.
• Close shutters and windows during the day and ventilate your home early in the morning or late in the evening.
• Wear lightweight and light-colored clothing, preferably.
• Regularly wet your face, neck, or arms to cool your body.

Where to find coolness?

During heatwaves, several places offer protection:

• Libraries;
• Shopping malls;
• Certain air-conditioned municipal facilities;
• Day centers;
• Social centers;
• Publicly accessible community spaces.

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🚰 Where to find drinking water and places to cool down?

When temperatures rise this much, access to water becomes essential.

Many cities have public water fountains, drinking water points, day centers offering free water, and associations distributing water to people in need.

🔎 On Soliguide, you can search for and easily find:

• "Water fountain"
• "Day center"
• "Shower"

You will find solutions available around you, with the opening hours, addresses and practical information updated.

You will also find some air-conditioned places such as museums, libraries / media libraries for example.

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💜 A useful habit throughout the summer

Soliguide, a tool to support you during heatwaves

On Soliguide, you can find thousands of different facilities and services all over France : water fountains, day centers, health centers, resting places, food distributions, showers, social support...

The information is free, accessible without an account and available in multiple languages.

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Source:

1. Ministry of Health - Heatwaves: Adopting the Right Behaviors

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