Staying safe in heat waves and high temperatures

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With the arrival of hot weather, the Ministry of Health and Social Affairs is raising awareness within the Principality about the health risks associated with exposure to high temperatures.

Heat has a direct effect on the body as soon as the temperature begins to rise.

Simple actions can prevent incidents.

The dangers of high temperatures

When body temperature suddenly rises, heatstroke can set in, particularly in those who are vulnerable (babies, children, pregnant women, seniors, or people with chronic illnesses), which can lead to dehydration.

Even those in good health (particularly athletes and manual workers exposed to heat) are at risk if they do not take a few basic precautions.

Tips and small measures to reduce the impact of the heat:

-        Drink water frequently.

-        Take regular refreshments.

-        Avoid going out during the hottest hours of the day until 7pm.

-        Avoid strenuous activities during the hottest parts of the day.

-        Keep your home cool.

-        Never leave a person alone in a car, especially a child, even for a very short time, as the temperature inside a vehicle can rise very quickly (the same applies to pets).

Tips and small measures to limit UV exposure:

-        Wear long-sleeved clothing, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.

-        Opt for category 3 sunglasses (bearing the ‘CE’ mark).

-        In addition to these measures, use sunscreen on exposed areas.

-        Children under a year old should never be exposed to the sun.

Exposure and the protection factor of the sun cream you use vary according to the UV index (which itself varies according to the amount of sunshine):

-        When the UV index is between 3 and 7 use sunscreens with a minimum SPF of 30+.

-        When the UV index is between 8 and 10 use sunscreens with a minimum SPF of 50+.

-        When the UV index is 11 or above avoid exposure to the sun. Use sunscreens with a minimum SPF of 50+.

Remember to check the expiry date of your sunscreen and reapply it every two hours while out in the sun and after swimming to maximise protection.

If you or someone else becomes unwell, call the fire brigade on 112.

Guidance for seniors and others who are vulnerable

Some senior citizens may be unaware of their thirst and tend to eat less than usual. Rising outdoor temperatures increase body temperature.

Keep an eye on those around you to make sure they stay hydrated, especially during hot weather. If your body temperature rises from 37°C to 38°C, you should drink an extra 0.5 litre of water per day.

Anyone over the age of 60 living alone in the Principality, or those caring for them, should contact the Monaco Gerontology Coordination Centre (+377 98 98 42 03) to arrange appropriate support if required.

Guidance for babies and children

Heat puts babies and children at risk of heatstroke and quickly becoming dehydrated. Take precautions by limiting your time outdoors and following general recommendations: stay cool and hydrated.

What are the warning signs to look out for in children?

Fever, paleness, unusual drowsiness or agitation, intense thirst with weight loss.

What should you do? Place the child in a cool room, give them something to drink immediately and regularly, and reduce their temperature by bathing them in water that is one to two degrees cooler than their body temperature.

If the child loses consciousness, refuses/is unable to drink, develops skin discolouration or has a fever above 40°C, call the fire brigade on 112.

Guidance for animals

Animals can also suffer from heat stroke. In extreme cases, heatstroke can become a life-threatening emergency for animals. Therefore, the same preventive measures apply (keep your pet out of direct sunlight, provide clean water, avoid exercise and walking on hot surfaces that can burn their paws, do not leave pets alone in a car, even with the windows open, etc.).

Look out for signs of dehydration, and if you have any doubts about your pet's health or any questions, consult a vet immediately.

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