Hot weather / Yellow heatwave vigilance

When the summer heat is on, there are simple steps you can take to avoid accidents. Here are some recommendations and guidelines.

We would like to remind you of some general precautions to take in the event of hot weather:

  • Drink water regularly, without waiting until you're thirsty (1 glass every 20 minutes). Avoid sodas and other sugary drinks. Avoid drinks with a high caffeine content (diuretics) and don't drink alcohol. The body needs a minimum of 2.5 liters of water a day.
  • During the day, close shutters, curtains and windows if possible. Air the room during the coolest hours.
  • Remember to wear a hat and light clothing when out and about.
  • Limit your physical activity.
  • If you have elderly, chronically ill or isolated people around you, check on them or visit them twice a day. Take them somewhere cool.

Symptoms of heat stroke

  • hot, red, dry skin, fever over 40°C,
  • headaches, nausea, drowsiness, intense thirst,
  • behavioural disorders, confusion, convulsions and loss of consciousness.

Anyone can be affected by dehydration and heat stroke
The danger is greater for :

  • the elderly, people with chronic illnesses or mental health problems, people taking regular medication, isolated people and children.
  • athletes,
  • people who work outdoors (see government website).

In the event of malaise, behavioral problems or heat stroke:

  • Alert SAMU (15)
  • If you are at university, please contact your local SCMPPS office:
    • Downtown 04 34 43 30 70
    • Triolet site: 04 67 14 30 73
    • Richter site: 04 34 43 24 26
    • IUT Montpellier: 04 99 58 51 57
    • Faculty of Pharmacy: 04 11 75 93 93
    • IUT Nîmes: 04 66 62 85 73
    • Nîmes Faculty of Medicine: 04 66 02 81 99
  • Give first aid:
    • move the person into the shade or a cool place;
    • take all measures to ensure that clothing does not interfere with the lowering of body temperature;
    • spray the person with cool water;
    • ventilate as much as possible ;
    • give fresh water in small quantities if the person is conscious and can drink;
    • place in the Lateral Position for Safety (PLS) if the person is unconscious.

As part of Covid 19:

  • Exercise caution when storing hydroalcoholic solutions (SHA), which are flammable liquids;
  • Be careful when using SHA: do not disinfect your hands in direct sunlight; do not expose your hands to the sun immediately after disinfection; wash your hands frequently with soap and water;
  • give priority to physical distancing rather than wearing PPE (Personal Protective Equipment).

For chemical risks :

For temperatures above 40°C, laboratories are advised to shut down distillation units and stop using substances with low boiling points. Examples: ether, dichloromethane, acetone, etc.

Finally, ensure that chemicals are stored in cool, well-ventilated areas, in compliance with current regulations.