France will activate its Extreme Heat ORSEC emergency plan for the first time on Friday in all regions placed under the country’s highest red heatwave alert, as authorities prepare for another spell of dangerous temperatures.
Government spokesperson Maud Bregeon said the emergency measures would include the opening of cooling centres to protect vulnerable residents.
“We will activate today, in all departments placed under red heat wave alert, the Extreme Heat ORSEC plan. We will open cooling centres to shelter the most vulnerable,” Bregeon told broadcaster TF1.
The plan, unveiled earlier this month, is designed to coordinate the response of public authorities during extreme heat events, including identifying and assisting isolated and at-risk individuals.
According to Meteo-France, nine departments in western France will be under a red heatwave alert from Friday afternoon, while 72 others remain under an orange alert as the country braces for another intense heatwave.