Extreme heat / Yellow heat wave alert
During periods of intense summer heat, simple precautions can help prevent accidents. Here are the recommendations to follow and the steps to take.
Here are some general precautions to keep in mind during heat waves:
- Drink water regularly without waiting until you’re thirsty (1 glass every 20 minutes). Avoid soda and other sugary drinks. Avoid drinks high in caffeine (which act as diuretics) and do not drink alcohol. The body needs at least 2.5 liters of water per day.
- During the day, close the shutters, curtains, and windows if possible. Air out 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 know any elderly people, people with chronic illnesses, or people who are isolated, check in on them or visit them twice a day. Take them to a cool place.
Symptoms of heatstroke
- hot, red, and dry skin, a fever higher than 40°C,
- headaches, nausea, drowsiness, intense thirst,
- behavioral disturbances, confusion, seizures, and loss of consciousness.
Anyone can be affected by dehydration and heatstroke
The risk is higher for:
- older adults, people with chronic illnesses or mental health conditions, people who take medication regularly, people who are isolated, and children.
- athletes,
- people who work outdoors (see the government website).
If you feel unwell, experience behavioral issues, or suffer from heatstroke:
- Call 911 (15)
- If you are a university student, please contact your local SCMPPS office:
- Downtown: 04 34 43 30 87
- Triolet Site: 04 67 14 30 73
- Richter Site: 04 34 43 24 26
- Occitanie Branch (Montpellier University Institute of Technology): 04 34 43 30 70
- Nîmes University Institute of Technology: 04 66 62 85 73
- Nîmes School of Medicine: 04 66 02 81 96
- Administer first aid:
- move the person to a shaded or cool area;
- take all necessary steps to ensure that their clothing does not hinder the drop in their body temperature;
- splash 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 light of the COVID-19 pandemic:
- Exercise caution and care when storing hydroalcoholic solutions (HAS), which are flammable liquids;
- Important notes on the use of hand sanitizers: Do not sanitize your hands in direct sunlight; do not expose your hands to sunlight immediately after sanitizing; opt for frequent handwashing with soap and water;
- give priority to physical distancing over the use of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment).
With regard to chemical hazards:
When temperatures exceed 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 applicable regulations.