Faced with the great cold affecting France, the Ministry of Health is asking for the greatest vigilance with the homeless, but also infants, children and the elderly.
France is currently affected by a major cold snap, with no less than 31 departments placed in snow / ice orange vigilance and four from the Hauts-de-France region in extreme cold orange vigilance. As of Tuesday evening, the Ministry of Health and Solidarity warned of the risks of these freezing temperatures on populations at risk or at risk.
>> Find detailed forecasts in your city on BFM MÉTÉO
Risk of carbon monoxide poisoning
“The minimum perceived very low temperatures constitute a danger in particular for precarious populations, homeless or isolated, people at risk (elderly people, children, people with certain pre-existing chronic pathologies) and potentially all exposed populations”, underlines the ministry.
Faced with the drop in thermometer values, the ministry points out in particular the risk – fatal – of carbon monoxide poisoning. It warns against the use of heating that is unsuitable for a habitat (camping stoves, ovens, braziers, barbecues or a generator in a closed place), misuse of an auxiliary combustion heater or the obstruction of the ventilation grids of conventional heaters.
Vigilance for frail people
“The cold promotes cardiovascular pathologies” and can also cause hypothermia and frostbite, the ministry also recalls. It therefore recommends limiting outdoor activities and urges people who must take the road to be extremely careful.
Finally, he calls for great vigilance towards infants, whose heads and extremities must be well covered, but also children and the elderly (especially for falls related to snow and ice)
If you meet a homeless person or in difficulty, call the social emergencies (115) or the SAMU.
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