Heatwave: a free hotline dedicated to protection advice set up by the Ministry of Health

In response to the increasing frequency and severity of extreme heat waves, the Ministry of Health has activated a new toll-free hotline, “Canicule Info Service” (Heatwave Information Service), designed to offer advice and support to vulnerable populations and the general public. This free service, reachable at 0 800 06 66 66, is part of a national strategy to strengthen prevention and health protection during heatwaves.

As the Châteaubriant region, like the rest of Loire-Atlantique, is affected by these severe heatwaves, it is crucial to understand the best practices to adopt to protect one’s own health and that of loved ones. In line with the recommendations of the Regional Health Agencies (ARS) and Public Health France, this service, available from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., answers questions related to the health risks exacerbated by the heat. It also complements the work of community organizations such as the French Red Cross and the Samu Social (emergency social services), which are mobilized locally to support the most vulnerable. How the Heatwave Information Service Hotline Works and its Usefulness for Appropriate Protection

The “Heatwave Information Service” hotline was designed as a centralized and free information channel to effectively prevent the health consequences of heatwaves. Activated during major heatwave episodes, this service is aimed at all population groups, particularly the elderly, children, and individuals with chronic illnesses. The Ministry of Health provides personalized recommendations based on risk profiles through this hotline.

When a heatwave hits, regional agencies such as the Loire-Atlantique Regional Health Agency (ARS) issue specific guidelines on appropriate behavior. However, practical questions remain, particularly regarding how to recognize the early signs of dehydration or heatstroke. This is precisely where the Heatwave Information Service proves invaluable. Trained agents answer calls to direct each caller to the most suitable measures, without replacing medical emergencies, which should be addressed by calling 15 (the French emergency number).

Services offered by Heatwave Information Service:

• Specific information on daily life during periods of extreme heat
• Targeted advice for protecting infants, the elderly, and the sick
• Directions to appropriate local resources, such as water fountains or cooling centers
• Remote support to combat isolation, notably through coordination with the Social Emergency Medical Service (Samu social)

This number also ensures continuous monitoring, which helps limit heat-related hospitalizations, particularly by supporting the VigiCanicule initiative, a national alert and prevention system. The Ministry of Health, through this initiative, implicitly supports organizations like France Assos Santé, which work towards community-based prevention.

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Comparison between Heatwave Information Service and other emergency numbers and public health services

Need for appropriate call triage

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This differentiation reduces the burden on emergency services and facilitates better local monitoring of the heatwave in the Châteaubriant region, where calls to 0 800 06 66 66 strengthen prevention efforts. The advice given complies with the guidelines of Public Health France and those relayed by the Public Service.

Specific impacts of extreme heat on public health in the Pays de la Mée region and appropriate responses

The Châteaubriant region, located in Loire-Atlantique in the Pays de la Mée, is experiencing the concerning effects of heatwaves. These episodes not only cause an increase in cases of dehydration and heatstroke, but also exacerbate cardiovascular problems in vulnerable individuals. Public Health France has highlighted the importance of rapid intervention to limit hospitalizations and deaths related to these episodes.

The geographical location of the CC Châteaubriant-Derval inter-municipal community gives it a particular responsibility. The Regional Health Agencies have therefore launched targeted campaigns using a toll-free number to disseminate specific recommendations, particularly in retirement homes, air-conditioned public spaces, and schools. This mobilization is part of a national effort and benefits from the coordination of community organizations such as the French Red Cross, which, locally, organizes visits to identify and ensure the safety of isolated elderly people.

• Concrete local measures for prevention and effectiveness
• Identification and monitoring of vulnerable populations by the Regional Health Agency (ARS) in coordination with municipalities.
• Provision of air-conditioned spaces open to the public during heat waves.
• Distribution of brochures and support via the Heatwave Information Service hotline to explain recommended actions.

Rapid intervention by the Social Emergency Medical Service (Samu social) for the homeless and isolated individuals.

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These initiatives have demonstrated a significant reduction in serious incidents during the most critical periods, highlighting the importance of a multidimensional approach integrating prevention, communication, and on-the-ground assistance.

Role and commitment of local stakeholders in raising awareness and managing heatwaves.

In the Châteaubriant-Derval Community of Communes (CC Châteaubriant-Derval), several stakeholders are mobilizing to strengthen the impact of prevention messages and offer concrete assistance to the population. Local authorities, associations, and social and medical institutions are working together to build resilience in the face of heatwaves. This collaborative work relies heavily on the information dissemination made possible by the “Heatwave Information Service” hotline.

1. France Assos Santé plays an active role in raising awareness, notably through workshops in community centers and information campaigns targeting caregivers and volunteers. At the same time, the SAMU social (emergency social services), in partnership with the French Red Cross, is intensifying its support for people experiencing hardship and homelessness.
3. Concrete initiatives in the Châteaubriant region:
4. Implementation of telephone helplines to identify isolated and vulnerable individuals.

Organization of information sessions in schools and retirement homes.

Coordinated distribution of water and cooling products during heat waves.

Promotion of the heatwave hotline in pharmacies and medical waiting rooms.

This local initiative demonstrates the importance of a dynamic network to anticipate the health consequences of heatwaves, particularly in a region as affected as Loire-Atlantique.

• Practical advice and precautions to take to make the best use of the Heatwave Information Service and protect yourself effectively.
• To fully benefit from the assistance offered by the Heatwave Information Service, it is important to understand when and how to use this number. It is primarily an information and prevention service, dedicated to guiding behavior in the face of intense heat.
• The Ministry of Health reminds the public that this service does not replace emergency numbers, and that in case of serious illness such as high fever, convulsions, or incoherent speech, you must immediately call 15 (the French emergency number). Furthermore, residents can also take advantage of the resources available through the Public Service to learn more about prevention and simple actions to take. Best practices for optimizing the use of the toll-free number

Call only during heat waves or confirmed periods of extreme heat

Have useful personal information ready (age, health status) to receive tailored advice

Respect the opening hours: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays, free call from a landline Share the existence of the number with friends and family, especially vulnerable populationsThe regular activation of this number demonstrates the Ministry of Health’s commitment to combating the secondary effects of heat waves. Residents of the Pays de la Mée region are therefore encouraged to adopt these good habits to protect their health and that of those around them.

Is the Heat Wave Information Service toll-free number currently active?

At the start of summer 2025, with an exceptional heatwave affecting several departments, including the Loire-Atlantique region, the Ministry of Health activated the free hotline 0 800 06 66 66 on Saturday, June 28.

This hotline will remain active throughout the heatwave, involving local and national stakeholders for enhanced prevention efforts.

Engagement of local associations Moderate, poorly coordinated actions Strengthened, with active mobilization of the French Red Cross and France Assos Santé

Positive impact on community prevention

This positive momentum encourages residents to fully utilize the Heatwave Information Service hotline and to rely on the resources of the

• local council
• to better understand and manage the consequences of the heatwave on their daily lives.
• What is the best way to protect oneself from the heatwave in Châteaubriant and the Pays de la Mée region?
• The experience of this spring of 2025 highlights the crucial importance of adopting preventative measures from the first signs of heatwave episodes. The hotline is an additional tool to support these initiatives, but simple actions remain essential. The Public Service, the Regional Health Agencies (ARS), and community organizations emphasize the need for constant vigilance.

Drink regularly to avoid dehydration, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid strenuous physical activity in the middle of the day. Seek out cool or air-conditioned places with access to drinking water.

Pay particular attention to the well-being of the elderly and children.

Protect yourself from the sun with light clothing and appropriate sun protection.

• Local campaigns also rely on the continuous dissemination of information via the
• Heatwave Information Service hotline
• and, of course, social media, which provides real-time updates. These best practices, combined with support from the Ministry of Health, guarantee a more peaceful summer despite extreme weather events.
• Why call the Heatwave Information Service hotline instead of remaining inactive?

Faced with a heatwave whose intensity in 2025 is described as “exceptional” by Météo-France experts, ignoring warning signs can have dramatic consequences. Using the toll-free number is not only a protective reflex but also a civic act that promotes solidarity and collective prevention. This can prevent numerous hospitalizations, preserve local healthcare systems, and offer personalized support. Access to reliable, up-to-date information validated by the Ministry of Health

Reduced feelings of isolation for the most at-risk populations

Improved organization of emergency and social aid, particularly through the SAMU social (emergency social services)

• Support for regional public health and environmental policies Sharing this number with those around you, especially the elderly, is a simple yet remarkably effective action. To better understand the system and its impact, readers can consult additional resources such as
• this detailed local analysis
• How do you know whether to contact Heatwave Information Service or the emergency services? The choice of number to call depends primarily on the severity and nature of the symptoms experienced.

Contact Heatwave Information Service for: questions about appropriate behavior, information on prevention, or advice on helping someone else cope with the heat.Call 15

if: you or a loved one experiences discomfort, high fever, loss of consciousness, seizures, or incoherent speech.

Use 18 or 112

in case of a serious accident or immediate danger.

This protocol helps to efficiently distribute the resources of the health services, in accordance with official recommendations available, in particular, on

the prevention services website

.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Heatwave Information Service Hotline and Heatwaves in the Châteaubriant Region

Is the Heatwave Information Service hotline accessible from a mobile phone?

Yes, the number 0 800 06 66 66 is free and accessible from a landline or mobile phone in mainland France. It is operational from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. during heatwave episodes.

What precautions should be taken to protect the elderly during a heatwave?