Summary

A prevention and awareness campaign has been launched for the 5th consecutive year to deal with problems arising from a potential heatwave in summer 2008.

The measures put in place to combat health problems caused by a heatwave comprise three progressive levels of alert:

• Seasonal measures starting automatically on 1 June and ending on 31 August
• A heatwave alert activated by Prefects, based on evaluation of possible dangerously high temperatures
• A maximum security alert

The 2008 campaign
The CCAS in conjunction with Antibes Juan-les-Pins council is implementing a series of actions aimed at people who are particularly vulnerable due to isolation and those aged over 65 years who may or may not suffer a disability:

The actions and their aims

• Publicising action to take in exceptionally high temperatures (drinking water, airing the flat, avoiding going out between 12.00 and 16.00 etc.)
• Distribution of information pamphlets giving advice and canvassing the possibility of cold water machines throughout the town as well as air-conditioned venues open to all
• Registration of persons living alone on a special list, seeking out vulnerable, elderly and disabled persons and assuring them of aid by the Health and Social services in emergencies caused by hot weather
• Regular visits by staff at CCAS and volunteers throughout the summer to persons most at risk, who receive a “Cool” kit containing a bottle of water, freshen-up pads and a fan
• Informing elderly people about air-conditioned venues: Foyer Fontonne at 13 Boulevard Beaurivage and Logement Foyer at 16 Avenue Pasteur where they can keep cool and enjoy the various games and activities staged there
• Electric fans available for loan free of charge for those judged most at risk
• Mobilisation of the CCAS in the case of a maximum security alert by the National Heatwave Campaign services and a 24/24 helpline manned by staff at the Prefecture from 1 June to 31 August.

These surveillance and prevention measures are implemented in conjunction with medical and paramedical professionals, associations and shopkeepers who actively participate in the circulation of all information and who inform the Social Aid group of persons at risk in order that they can benefit from these measures.

Measures to combat isolation

The Heatwave Campaign is concerned with everyone but concentrates particularly on those who receive aid from the CCAS, which maintains dependents in their own homes and fights against isolation.

There is also increased vigilance concerning:

• Those most dependent on home visits by nurses, meals on wheels and housekeeping help
• Persons resident at the CCAS Accommodation Centre, in conjunction with the Blue Plan. In the case of a Heatwave alert, the Blue Plan has systems in place for the internal organisation of the establishment and has measures ready to be put in place at Antibes Hospital with which it is in partnership.
• Persons at risk and living alone registered on the special list are regularly checked by CCAS volunteers who increase visits and telephone contact during the summer.
  These measures are necessary in heatwave conditions as well as in normal       temperatures as they help persons who are isolated and direct them to suitable           organisations if they are experiencing problems.
• There are air conditioned premises available for homeless people at 11 Avenue du 11 novembre where they receive a “Cool kit” containing two 50cl bottles of water, a cap and an information sheet.