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What does France’s ‘red’ heatwave warning mean?

As France sizzles under an intense heatwave, four départements have been placed under a 'red' weather alert on Tuesday by Météo France - but what does this mean for people living in or visiting those areas?

Published: 21 August 2023 18:08 CEST
Updated: 22 August 2023 10:25 CEST
What does France's 'red' heatwave warning mean?
Photo by Loic VENANCE / AFP

Large parts of France remain on orange alert for high temperatures, but on Tuesday four départements will be placed under the rarely-used red alert, the highest alert level on Météo France’s system.

They are; Drôme, Rhône, Ardèche and Haute-Loire, and the alert covers Tuesday, August 22nd.

The red alert means “absolute vigilance” is required because “dangerous” weather phenomenon with “exceptional intensity” are forecast.

It can be used for all types of weather events, most commonly for storms or flooding.

It is rare that a red alert is issued for heat – the first ever red heat alert was issued in 2019 during the exceptional heatwave that saw temperature records shatter across France, and since then has only be issued a handful of times.

Météo France says that a red alert for heat means that “all of us are threatened, even healthy people”.

It adds: “The danger is greater for seniors, people with chronic illness or mental health issues, people who take regular medication and people who are isolated.”

Those who work outside are told to take care and watch out for the signs of heat stroke, which include: fever over 40C, hot, red and dry skin, headaches, nausea, drowsiness, intense thirst, confusion and convulsions.

Parents are advised to closely observe their children.

Météo France also issues the following advice.

  •  In case of discomfort or behavioural problems, call a doctor.
  • If you need help call your local town hall.
  •  If you have elderly, chronically ill or isolated people in your life, check in with them or visit them twice a day. Accompany them to a cool place.
  • During the day close shutters, curtains and windows. Ventilate at night.
  • Use fan and/or air conditioning if available. Otherwise try to go to a cool or air-conditioned place (such as a supermarket or cinema) for two to three hours a day.
  • Wet your body several times a day with a mist, a washcloth or by taking showers or baths.
  • Adults and children: drink plenty of water, the elderly: drink 1.5L of water per day and eat normally.
  • Do not go out during the hottest hours (11am-9pm).
  • If you have to go out wear a hat and light clothing.
  • Limit your physical activities.

The declaration of a red alert also gives local authorities the power to cancel events if they judge the risk is too great. Even if they decide not to, sometimes event organisers will cancel if a red alert is declared.

If you have plans to attend a concert, festival or other large event – check beforehand that it is still going ahead as planned. 

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LIVING IN FRANCE

What is France’s ‘citizen service’ and who has to do it?

Although France no longer has compulsory military service, there is still a requirement for a 'citizen service' known as the JDC - and for most younger people this is compulsory, including young foreigners who take French citizenship.

Published: 24 May 2024 17:11 CEST
What is France's 'citizen service' and who has to do it?

France scrapped compulsory military service in 1997 so its teenagers are no longer required to do 10 months of square-bashing, boot polishing and cross country runs.

They are, however, required to do the Journée défense et citoyenneté (JDC) in most cases – although this at least has the benefit of being just a single day.

What is it? 

The JDC is basically a one-day course or learning exercise about your rights and responsibilities as a citizen of France.

You will receive teaching on three main areas;

  • The general issues and objectives of national defence, and on the different forms of commitment required from citizens. This part of the course is usually taught by members of the French military
  • Civics lessons – similar to those given in French schools – based on the Charte des droits et devoirs du citoyen français (Charter of rights and duties of French citizens)
  • Information on equality between men and women, on the fight against sexist prejudice and on the fight against physical, psychological or sexual violence committed within the couple

You will also be given a brief test on your knowledge of the French language. This is for everyone, not just foreigners, and language learners can feel comforted by the fact that plenty of native French people also struggle with the intricacies of their language.

You do not have to pass any kind of exam on the contents of the citizenship course – more on the curriculum here.

The course usually lasts seven and a half hours – basically a standard working day.

Who has to do it?

There are two things that young people in France must do – the recensement citoyen (citizen census) and then, in most cases, the JDC.

The recensement citoyen is compulsory for;

  • Any French citizens who are turning 16 – they must complete the registration within three months of their 16th birthday.
  • Anyone who gains French nationality between the ages of 16 and 25 – they must sign up within a month of getting their citizenship.

It is not required for people older than 25 who gain French citizenship, neither is it required for non-French citizens – even if they are long-term residents in France.

People who fail to complete the recensement citoyen when required cannot be inscribed onto the electoral rolls (and therefore cannot vote), while the certificate of completion is also usually required to enrol for French public exams or administrative exams (eg professional qualifications).

Once you have completed the census, you will then receive notice for the one-day citizenship course (JDC). This is compulsory for most people, although there are exceptions for people who have a disability or a long-term illness.

How do you do it?

First off, the recensement citoyen can be done either online or in person, if you choose the online option it is done at the local mairie.

It’s a relatively simple sign-up process and then you receive the attestation de recensement, which will be required for registering for exams. Once you have completed this, you will automatically be added to the electoral roll once you reach the age of 18.

Once this is completed, you will then receive a convocation (summons) to your one-day JDC. The letter will provide details of how and where to do the course, as well as the options to appeal if you believe you are exempt on the grounds of illness or disability.

It also gives you an autorisation d’absence exceptionnelle – authorisation of absence, which you present to your employer if you are working or an apprentice. They are then legally obliged to give you the day off to attend.

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