Nice-Ville Station has deployed its “heatwave plan”. On this occasion, hats and water bottles were distributed to travelers by SNCF agents. Véronique Borre, Vice-President of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Region, was present.
Following yesterday’s weather alert, the South Region is activating its heatwave plan in its transport services and stations. This plan addresses the situation of extreme heat and responds to the needs of users. From today onwards, several objectives must be met: remind people of prevention messages, maintain trains in good condition (in particular through functional air conditioning) and distribute promotional items (5,000 water bottles as well as spray bottles and hats). Flyers will also be offered in the form of cardboard fans and water fountains are available in the stations.
Additionally, during this summer period, about twenty seasonal workers are being hired to welcome and assist travelers as best as possible.
This plan is all the more important as some vulnerable people do not feel thirsty and can easily find themselves in a situation of dehydration. Moreover, metal parts on trains can heat up when exposed to the sun, which can increase the temperature of the vehicle.
The Region calls for vigilance and proper behavior during heatwave periods
Regional Vice-President Véronique Borre explains that heatwave operations can be repeated as often as needed depending on heat peaks until August. She calls for vigilance: “Much of our fleet has been renewed, and therefore travel conditions are much better. […] We remain vigilant, that’s why there are messages that are broadcast also on trains, calling for vigilance, reminding people that they must drink water and definitely not alcohol in order to protect themselves from the heat.“
She clarifies that the entire network is regularly checked but that it is the high-speed trains, more sensitive to heat than regional trains, that are most closely monitored. She concludes by saying that in summary you need to “protect yourself from the heat“, “consume plenty of water“, and try to shelter, during the hottest hours, by going to temperate or even air-conditioned areas.
Thus the PACA Region shows itself ready to face the severe heat waves that summer has in store for us. According to Public Health France: “Each year, during heat episodes, there are healthcare visits for conditions specifically or largely due to heat exposure: heat stroke or hyperthermia, dehydration and hyponatremia (decrease in blood sodium levels, editor’s note).”
Beyond its transport plan, South Region is also implementing measures in secondary schools with the installation of air circulators and blackout films, 140 million € invested since 2021 in thermal comfort and 380 million € additional planned by 2030… Concerning the risk of fire, several initiatives are underway such as the deployment of 250 forest rangers in the massifs, from June to August, to monitor and prevent fires or the development of trails to facilitate rapid emergency access.
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