Extreme heat / Yellow heat wave alert
During periods of intense summer heat, simple measures can help prevent accidents. Here are some recommendations to follow and steps to take.
We would like to remind you of some general precautions to take in the event of high temperatures:
- Drink water regularly without waiting until you feel thirsty (1 glass every 20 minutes). Avoid sodas and other sugary drinks. Avoid drinks with high caffeine content (diuretics) and do not drink alcohol. The body needs a minimum of 2.5 liters of water per day.
- During the day, close shutters, curtains, and windows if possible. Ventilate the room during the coolest hours of the day.
- Remember to wear a hat and light clothing when you go out.
- Limit your physical activities.
- If you have elderly people, people with chronic illnesses, or isolated people in your circle, check in on them or visit them twice a day. Accompany them to a cool place.
Symptoms of heatstroke
- hot, red, and dry skin, a fever above 104°F (40°C),
- headaches, nausea, drowsiness, intense thirst,
- behavioral disorders, confusion, convulsions, and loss of consciousness.
Anyone can be affected by dehydration and heatstroke
The risk is greater for:
- the elderly, people with chronic illnesses or mental health disorders, people who take medication regularly, isolated individuals, children.
- athletes,
- people who work outdoors (see government website).
In case of discomfort, behavioral problems, or heatstroke:
- Call emergency services (911)
- If you are at the university, notify the local SCMPPS office:
- Downtown: 04 34 43 30 87
- Triolet website: 04 67 14 30 73
- Richter website: 04 34 43 24 26
- Occitanie branch (Montpellier University Institute of Technology): +33 (0)4 34 43 30 70
- Nîmes University Institute of Technology: +33 (0)4 66 62 85 73
- Faculty of Medicine, Nîmes: +33 (0)4 66 02 81 96
- Administer first aid:
- Move the person to a shaded or cool place.
- take all necessary measures to ensure that their clothing does not prevent their body temperature from dropping;
- sprinkle the person with cool water;
- ventilate as much as possible;
- give small amounts of cool water if the person is conscious and able to drink;
- Place the person in the recovery position if they are unconscious.
In the context of Covid-19:
- Be vigilant and cautious when storing hydroalcoholic solutions (HAS), which are flammable liquids.
- Caution when using SHA: do not disinfect your hands in direct sunlight; do not expose your hands to sunlight immediately after disinfection; wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
- Also prioritize physical distancing over wearing PPE (Personal Protective Equipment).
In the context of chemical risk:
For temperatures above 40°C, laboratories are advised to shut down distillation units and refrain from using substances with low boiling points. Examples: ether, dichloromethane, acetone, etc.
Finally, ensure that chemicals are stored in cool, well-ventilated areas, in accordance with current regulations.