Heatwave Plan
Last update
Summary:
You can apply to join the Heatwave Plan, subject to certain conditions.
During heatwaves, anyone deemed 'vulnerable' – namely infants and young children, the elderly, and those with certain medical conditions (including mental health issues, heart disease, high blood pressure or diabetes) – are the first to suffer from the extreme heat. This is why such persons must be carefully monitored.
Who is concerned
Seniors aged 75 or over who live alone (or with a disabled person), have limited independence, have little social support and do not receive assistance from carers already in place under the long-term care Insurance scheme can register for the Heatwave Plan. They can register or be registered to benefit from monitoring visits and assistance in the event of a heatwave.
Prerequisites
People who wish to register for the Heatwave Plan must not be receiving any other long-term care insurance benefits.
Registering for the Heatwave Plan
You can register in several ways:
- using a paper form. You must complete the registration form (see under 'Online services and forms') and send it, along with the questionnaire:
- by email to canicule@croix-rouge.lu;
- by post to
Croix-Rouge luxembourgeoise - Canicule
B.P. 404
L-2014 Luxembourg
- by telephone on (+352) 2755, Monday to Friday, from 8.00 to 17.00;
- online via the Red Cross form (see under 'Online services and forms').
Monitoring visits
Visits are made by home assistance and care services. During visits, professionals make sure that elderly or sick persons follow a number of recommendations.
Recommendations
Drink a lot of fluids
During a heatwave, people are advised to drink at least 1.5 litres of water per day in small regular amounts (two to four times per hour). Water rich in minerals salts, such as mineral water or sparkling water, is preferred over tap water.
Coffee or tea and drinks rich in sugar or caffeine should be limited as much as possible due to their diuretic effects.
If you experience a lack of appetite, meals should be taken over several sittings; fruit, salads and vegetables are recommended.
Stay in the shade
Elderly or sick people should avoid going outdoors when it is hot and should remain indoors, in cooler rooms.
If they must go outdoors, they should make sure they wear light-coloured, light-weight and loose clothing, preferably in cotton or linen, and they should cover their heads.
Ventilate the home
To keep the home cool, rooms should be kept ventilated during the cool hours or during the night. During the day, shutters, curtains and blinds on sun-exposed windows, as well as doors, should be kept closed.
Take showers
During the day, elderly or sick people should take regular showers or partial cooling baths (hands, feet, etc.).
Online services and forms
Who to contact
Health Directorate Health Inspection Department
- Address:
- 2A, rue Thomas Edison L-1445 Strassen Luxembourg
- Phone:
- (+352) 247 85 650
Related procedures and links
Links
Further information
-
Heatwave Plan
on SanteSecu.lu
-
Heatwaves
on SanteSecu.lu
