In the face of an exceptional and prolonged heatwave, France’s Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has called on the French Post for an “extraordinary mobilization” of its postal workers. The aim of this measure is to enhance the protection of particularly vulnerable people – especially elderly and individuals living alone at home. The initiative is part of a comprehensive expansion of the national heat protection plan.
Specifically, postal workers are to pay increased attention to people in need of protection during their daily delivery rounds. They are asked to approach elderly or isolated persons, encourage them to register with the municipal registers for vulnerable residents, and remind them of important behavioral rules during extreme heat. These include drinking enough fluids, avoiding the midday heat, as well as regularly ventilating and cooling living spaces. If the delivery workers notice worrying situations, they should report them to the responsible authorities or social services.
The French government justifies the use of the postal service by its nationwide presence across the country. Especially in rural areas or in neighborhoods where people living alone often have few social contacts, postal workers are often the only people who regularly visit. Their daily rounds are intended to supplement the work of municipalities, municipal social services (CCAS), and aid organizations, but not to replace them.
In parallel, the government has also activated the highest operational level of the national health emergency plan ORSAN. This allows hospitals to deploy additional staff from the health reserve and to intensify cooperation between healthcare facilities. If necessary, non-urgent medical procedures can be postponed to provide sufficient capacity for heat-related emergencies.
According to the government’s assessment, the focus is now more on protecting people who continue to live in their own homes. Nursing homes and senior residences have significantly improved their emergency and heat protection concepts since the devastating heatwave of 2003. In contrast, people living alone and socially isolated still represent the most vulnerable population group when extreme temperatures persist over several days.
By involving postal workers, France is pursuing a pragmatic approach: existing public service structures are to be used to reach vulnerable people early and to prevent medical emergencies as much as possible. Especially in times of increasing extreme weather events, such a low-threshold early warning system is gaining further importance.
Author: Andreas M. Brucker