The Communal Center for Social Action (CCAS) of Nice has activated its heatwave plan to help the most vulnerable people during periods of intense heat. Several seasonal workers are employed to be available both on the phone and in the field.
In summer, the heat can be deadly for the elderly and fragile. With about a quarter of its population over the age of 65, Nice wants to protect this segment of the population from this still deadly danger. With a focus on prevention and action, the “Heatwave Brigade” was formed by the CCAS. This team consists of 16 people between 18 and 21 years old. Split into two groups, they can be present at headquarters as well as in the field. In the first scenario, they work via their phone. With a registry of 10,000 people, their main mission is to raise awareness about the right behaviors during heatwaves, whether in parks, gardens, or beaches throughout the summer starting from June 1st. But checking in on people is also one of their tasks. “Calls last about 2 minutes. They can go up to 10 minutes, it all depends on the person we’re talking to”, explains Zinedine, a member of the Heatwave Brigade. Calling to check on how a person is doing, if they need anything, reminding them to drink a glass of water every hour, or simply chatting so they’re not left alone, are regular occurrences.
“People die alone in their apartments only to be found 2-3 months later, and it’s terrible”, laments Françoise Monier, Deputy Delegate for Intergenerational Issues and Seniors, present this Wednesday for a visit to the Heatwave Brigade. Deputy Delegate for Solidarity, Maître Jennifer Salles-Barbosa, was also present to commend the members: “Having young people take care of the physical and moral well-being of older and more fragile individuals is a beautiful message for society in my opinion”.
The visit is over, and it’s already time to start calling again and distributing flyers, to spread this service for those who need or might need it.
For more information, contact them directly at 04 93 13 51 35
