Monday 24^th July 2006

Safety in Numbers

With the onset of the summer holidays most of us are focusing on having fun in the sun and enjoying the finer things in life - and why not? However, it's worth remembering that summer can also be a busy time on they roads, and the Europe-wide heat wave can have a grave health impact on the very young, the elderly and the unwell (not to mention that it makes every one a little crazy!). So do you know where to turn or who to call if something goes awry? 

Help on call

Firstly, it helps to be well aware of the essential Emergency Telephone Numbers, including those for the Police, Fire Service and Medical, but also several other categories of potential emergencies.

Then, it's wise to be fully up-to-speed with your local Emergency numbers for Utilities (gas, electricity and so on). This may seem less important than it does in winter, but what's going to happen to the contents of your refrigerator or freezer if the power goes?

As concerns the heat, the French government issues updated warnings and provides information through the Canicule Info Service (Tel: 0821 222 300)

• Find out the latest information for your region, see the INFOrmation Page on Heat Waves & Water Restrictions

Finally, it's always useful to know what to do in the case of Lost & stolen bank/credit cards, cheque book & mobile telephones - if you can't find these essential items you want to put a stop on them as quickly as possible.

And if you're not too sure how to explain what's happened use the instant on-line French-English translator to find the right phrase.

Hopefully, your summer won't be marred by problems and you'll have a great time, but if something does come up, at least you'll know who to contact, thanks to AngloINFO's INFOrmation Pages.

What else?

To keep up with all the new stuff on AngloINFO is easy - just click here! We've been adding new entries to the AngloFILE just about every day, and there are now over 4,400 listings there!

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"Life in Paris, in English!"