Extreme heat involves high temperatures and can pose health risks such as heat stroke and even death. Over the next 30 years, the number of extremely hot days in a year is expected to more than double in some parts of Canada. It is important to take steps to protect yourself and your family and this includes knowing the signs and symptoms of heat illness.
Signs and Symptoms of Heat Illness:
Heat Exhaustion:
- High body temperature
- Confusion and lack of coordination
- Skin rash
- Muscle cramps
- Dizziness or fainting
- Nausea or vomiting
- Heavy sweating
- Headache
- Rapid breathing and heartbeat
- Extreme thirst
- Dark urine and decreased urination
If you experience any of these symptoms during extreme heat, immediately move to a cool place and drink liquids; water is best.
Heat Stroke:
- High body temperature
- Confusion and lack of coordination
- Dizziness/Fainting
- No sweating, but very hot, red skin
Heat stroke is a medical emergency! Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately. While waiting for help—cool the person right away by:
- moving them to a cool place, if you can;
- applying cold water to large areas of the skin; and
- fanning the person as much as possible.
Who is Most at Risk?
- Older adults may be faced with compounding factors that could put them at increased risk during extreme heat events. These factors may include chronic illnesses, medications that interfere with the body’s cooling mechanisms, social isolation, and poverty.
- Given the unique physiological characteristics of infant and your children’s bodies and their high dependency on caregivers, they are likely to be at risk during extreme heat events.
- Individuals who taking special medication because of a chronic illness such as breathing difficulties or heart problems or a psychiatric illness are at a higher risk of heat-related health effects.
- People who work outdoors (e.g. construction, road repair) and physically active individuals who exercise in the heat could face greater environmental heat exposure and physical strain.
What are Some Important Safety Tips?
- Prepare for the heat:
- Tune in regularly to local weather forecasts and alerts so you know when to take extra care.
- If you have an air conditioner, make sure it works properly.
- If you don’t have an air conditioner, find an air-conditioned spot close by where you can cool off for a few hours on very hot days.
- Know the signs of heat
- Pay attention to how you and those around you Feel:
- Frequently visit neighbours, friends and older family members, especially those who are chronically ill, to make sure that they are cool and hydrated.
- Drink liquids; water is best
- Stay cool:
- Wear loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing made of breathable fabric.
- Take cool showers or baths until you feel refreshed.
- Plan strenuous outdoor activities for cooler days, or choose a cooler location, like a place with air conditioning or with tree shade.
- Spend a few hours in a cool place. It could be a tree-shaded area, swimming facility or an air-conditioned spot.
- Never leave children or pets alone in a parked vehicle.
Additional Resources:
- Infographic: Staying Healthy in the Heat
- Climate change and health
- First aid advice for sunburn and heat illness
- Heat-health brochures
- Extreme heat events
- Air Quality Health Index
- The ultraviolet index and your local forecast
- Sun safety basics
- Smog and your health
- Health effects of ultraviolet radiation
- Environment Canada – Weatheroffice
Source: Information and infographic taken from Health Canada website.