Extreme Heat Events

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.

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