Extreme Heat Events
Heat-related illnesses are when your body is unable to properly maintain its temperature and handle the heat. Those with chronic conditions, babies, the elderly, and people with excess weight are at greater risk of heat-related illness, but everyone should be aware and take precautions. Heat-related illnesses are preventable.
1. Current Heat Alerts
Find current heat alerts by visiting:
- The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) or Download the SaskAlert App; and
- Environment Canada
2. Information and Tips
With climate change, extreme heat events are on the rise. Heat-related illnesses and deaths are preventable. Here are some tips to avoid becoming ill during periods of extreme heat:
- Stay out of the heat
- Stay out of the sun during the peak hours of 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., whenever possible.
- If you need to be outside, wear appropriate sunscreen, a wide brimmed hat, sunglasses and light, loose-fitting cotton clothes.
- Avoid any extreme physical exertion and keep in the shade whenever possible.
- Stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as you can. If you do not have air conditioning at home, know where to go to cool down. Air-conditioned public spaces include malls, leisure centres, libraries, etc.
- NEVER leave children or pets in cars unattended.
- Cool yourself down
- Stay hydrated with cold water and cold drinks. Avoid alcohol.
- Eat cold, light foods, such as salad and fruit with high water content.
- Keep your living space cool. This is especially important for infants, the elderly, and those with chronic health conditions or those who cannot look after themselves (including pets).
- Avoid or limit the use of stoves and ovens that will make you and your house hotter.
- Keep windows closed and blinds drawn during the day. If the temperature drops at night, open screened windows to let the hot air out.
- When indoor temperature exceeds 35°C (95°F), avoid the use of electric fans, as they may cause your body to gain heat instead of losing it.
- Take cool baths or showers. Use cool cloths or cool misting fans.
- Visit a public swimming pool or recreational lake. Always practice safe swimming. For information on water quality at Saskatchewan's public beaches, refer to the Healthy Beach Program webpage.
- Look out for others
- Check on neighbours, family and friends and have someone do the same for you.
- Watch out for isolated, elderly, ill or very young people and ensure they can keep cool.
- Symptoms of heat-related illness include:
- Heat rash (skin irritation)
- Heat cramps (muscle cramps)
- Heat edema (swelling of hands, feet and ankles)
- Heat fainting
- Heat exhaustion
- Heat stroke
Heat Stroke is a medical emergency. Call 9-1-1 or seek immediate medical assistance if you are caring for someone with a high body temperature, unconscious, confused, or stopped sweating.
If you take medicines regularly, ask your doctor for advice about hot-weather activity and your risk of getting a heat-related illness.
3. Additional Resources
Health checks during extreme heat events - National Collaborating Centre for Environmental Health
Extreme Heat Events - Government of Canada
Natural Disasters and Sever Weather - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Extreme Heat Can be a Killer - National Collaborating Centre for Environment Health
Heat and Health - World Health Organization
It's way too hot! Protect Yourself from Extreme Heat - Health Canada
Keep children cool! Protect Your Child from Extreme Heat - Health Canada
You're active in the heat. You're at risk! Protect Yourself from Extreme Heat - Health Canada
French
C'est vraiment trop chaud! Protégez-vous du temps très chaud - Sante Canada
Gardez les enfants à l'abri de la chaleur! Protégez votre enfant de la chaleur accablante - Sante Canada
Vous êtes actif quand il fait chaud. Vous êtes à risque! Protégez-vous du temps très chaud!- Sante Canada