Extreme Heat Safety

Extreme heat can put your health at risk, causing illnesses like heat stroke and even death. It is important to take steps to protect yourself and your family.

Follow these five steps to protect yourself and your family in very hot weather:

1- Prepare for the heat - Plan your outings in the early morning or late evening and always have water with you.

2- Pay close attention to how you and those around you feel - Watch for symptoms of heat illness, which include: dizziness or fainting, nausea or vomiting, headache, rapid breathing and heartbeat, extreme thirst (dry mouth or sticky saliva), decreased urination with unusually dark yellow urine, changes of behaviour in children (like sleepiness or temper tantrums).

3 - Stay hydrated - Drink plenty of cool beverages and remember, caffeine and alcohol are diuretics.

4 - Stay cool - Wear loose fitting and light weight clothing and a hat, protect your eyes with sunglasses, limit the use of your oven, take a cool shower, and keep windows closed during peak temperatures and open them late at night/in the early morning

5 - Avoid exposure to extreme heat when outdoors - Never leave kids or pets in a vehicle, reschedule outdoor activities, seek shade, and use sunscreen.

Did you know? Sunburned skin loses its sweating efficiency. This makes it harder for your body to regulate its temperature.