The “ Extreme cold
” plan
is an inter-ministerial system responsible for combating the “
health and social effects linked to winter temperatures
”.
What does this plan involve?
Le Figaro
takes stock.
What is the “Extreme Cold” plan?
The “ Extreme Cold
” plan
is an instrument that the prefectures can activate based on weather forecasts.
It can only be triggered in the event of an intense episode of cold, characterized by its persistence and geographical extent.
Three levels of vigilance
The plan, subject to a seasonal watch from November 1 to March 31, is divided into several levels of vigilance: the yellow level, called "
cold weather
", corresponds to a short cold episode, lasting one to two days, with night temperatures between -5°C and -10°C.
The orange level, nicknamed "
extreme cold
", can be triggered in the event of minimum temperatures between -10°C and - 18°C.
Finally, the red level, "
extreme cold
", is put in place if the temperatures felt are less than or equal to -18°C.
This last level is rarely reached.
Protect vulnerable and precarious populations
The system has three major objectives: to limit excess seasonal mortality, to prevent cardiovascular pathologies (stroke in particular), and to protect the most vulnerable populations, who cannot shelter from the cold, for example.
What does the “Extreme Cold” plan involve?
More than a symbol, the “ Extreme Cold
” plan
activates a set of measures.
Additional accommodation places
Firstly, emergency accommodation places can be opened by the various prefectures.
Hotels are available to accommodate families with children.
Reinforcement of marauders
The “ Extreme cold
” plan
also supposes a reinforcement of the number 115, with more advisers mobilized and extended hours.
The interventions of patrol teams, the Samu social and associations, are intensified.
The police are also mobilized to identify sensitive people, such as the homeless.
Finally, communication concerning the risks associated with the cold is reinforced, with the dissemination or display of prevention messages.
emergency grants
Emergency subsidies to associations are also provided for by the “
Extreme Cold
” plan, regardless of the level of vigilance triggered.
Thus, in 2020 in Île-de-France, 325,000 euros were granted to 11 associations, including Aurore, Secours Populaire and the Red Cross.
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