Heat

Each summer France runs a heat wave warning system, the plan canicule, intended to prevent and fight against the medical consequences of a heat wave. Weather reports on TV, radio and in newspapers will quote the four levels of alert.

They are:

• Level 1: Seasonal alert from June 1 to August 31

• Level 2: Pre-alarm: Heat wave forecast for three days. Preventions and protection to be put into effect 

• Level 3: Alarm: Effective heat wave. People to behave appropriately
• Level 4: Maximum Mobilisation: Heat wave with severe medical impact expected 

People are recommended to take precautions by staying out of direct heat and sun and drinking water regularly and special care should be taken of the young, elderly and ill. 

Further information 

• Sante Gouvernement
• Heat wave Information Service (Canicule Info Service): 0821 222 300 
• Working in the heat and the responsibility of employers from the French government: Click here

Water

Water restrictions are frequently in place in parts of France. The Ministère d'Ecologie et du Développement website carries regular updates on communes in which restrictions have been imposed as well as what those restrictions are. 

The water restriction measures are categorised into five levels.

They are:

• Clear/white (on the prefectorial map): No restriction
• Grey (on the prefectorial map): No restrictions in place but preparations should be made in case of future restrictions
• Level 1: Limited restrictions 
• Level 2: Severe restrictions
• Level 3: Total restriction

• See Arrêtés préfectoraux on this web-page: ecologie.gouv.fr 

Emergency numbers

• SAMU (ambulance/medical): 15 
• Fire Service:18 
• Pan European emergency number 112 

Page updated July 2006

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