During periods of heat, it's important to take care of your health and find ways to prevent overheating by keeping aware, cool, and connected.
During very hot weather, everyone can get sick from the heat, but some people are at higher risk because of factors such as age, health, available resources, or job. Individuals who may be at greater risk include infants, older adults, pregnant people, people living with chronic health conditions or mental illness, people who live alone, people without access to cooled indoor spaces and people who work or exercise in the heat.
Overexertion will increase the risk of heat exhaustion, dehydration, or heat stroke. Heat illness is preventable by follow these steps to keep aware, cool, and connected:
Keep Aware
- Check weather forecasts and heat warnings to know when to take extra care. Use the WeatherCAN app or Call Hello-Weather (1-833-794-3556).
- Monitor for signs and symptoms of heat illness. If you or others experience these symptoms during hot temperatures, move to cool space and drink water. Heat stroke is a medical emergency! Call 911 if you see these signs and move them to a cool place, apply cold water to the skin, and fan the person as much as possible.
Keep Cool
- Be sure to drink plenty of water, before you are thirsty.
- Cool off by taking a cool shower or bath, going for a swim, putting your feet in water, or applying a damp towel to your skin. Take a break from the heat. Spend time in cool places (e.g., in air-conditioned spaces (e.g., library) or shaded parks with lots of trees or water features). Reduce your activity levels and take breaks. When outside, stay in the shade.
- Keep indoor temperatures below 26 oC. If you have air conditioning, turn it on; even on low, it can help you stay safe.
- Shut windows and doors if indoor temperatures are comfortable. Draw blinds or curtains to prevent heat from entering homes during the day.
- Use an electric fan to circulate air during cooler parts of the day.
- When outside, stay in the shade, wear a broad-brimmed hat, sunglasses and lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing, and reapply sunscreen.
Keep Connected
- Check in on family, friends, and neighbours, especially those at greater risk to make sure they are safe and cool. Use the heat check-in resource (available in 5 languages).
Heat stroke is a medial emergency! Know the signs and get immediate help if you experience any of the following symptoms of heat-related illness:
- Heavy sweating, hot and flushed skin
- Severe cramps in the hands, calves, or feet
- Fatigue and or feel faint
- Nausea
- Headaches or fizziness
High temperatures and humid air can increase air pollution levels, making air quality worse. Check the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) for your location, and follow its recommendations to stay healthy and safe. Extreme heat is usually more dangerous than short-term exposure to poor air quality, so you should prioritize staying cool if you must choose.
Visit SMDHU's pages to learn more about Heat.