A few precautions to take in very hot weather

• Stay sufficiently hydrated to keep your body temperature close to 37°C.
• Drink water – at least 1.5 litres a day.
• Avoid drinking alcohol.
• Stay in cool places during the heat peaks, between 12pm and 4pm, and regularly wet your body with damp cloths, for example, or even take showers.
• Avoid going out at the hottest times of the day, and avoid strenuous physical activity.
• If you are taking medication, don’t hesitate to ask your GP or pharmacist for advice.
• Be aware of those around you and help the most vulnerable

The right thing to do

If you experience any of the following symptoms during hot weather – cramps or exhaustion – it is advisable to rest in a cool place and drink light fruit juices or energy drinks diluted with water. If symptoms worsen or last for more than an hour, contact a doctor. In the event of heatstroke, move the person into the shade and perform cooling manoeuvres.
Heat stroke is more serious. It’s a real medical emergency, and you need to call 15. The signs are a sharp rise in temperature, hot, red and dry skin, violent headaches, confusion and loss of consciousness, and possibly convulsions. Place the person in the shade until help arrives and cool them down (by ventilating, spraying with cold water, or in a cool shower or bath).

Useful emergency contacts

Fire brigade: 18
Emergencies (European call): 112
On-call medical service, emergencies and doctors’ night services: 15
Police municipale: 04 42 91 91 11
Centre hospitalier du Pays d’Aix (24h/24): switchboard 04 42 33 50 00 / Emergencies 04 42 99 90 28
Météo France: 32 50 (paying service)