Extreme Heat - Who is at Risk?

EXTREME HEAT - WHO IS AT RISK?

Extreme temperatures pose a greater risk for young children, pregnant women, older adults, people with chronic illnesses and those who work and exercise outside. 


For more information on specific at risk groups see:

• Older Adults
• Parents
• Outdoor Workers
• Chronic Illness
• Active outside

Health Checks
Health checks during extreme heat events One way to reduce the public health impacts of extreme heat events is to check in regularly with susceptible people to see how they are coping https://ncceh.ca/documents/guide/health-checks-during-extreme-heat-events

Extreme Heat - Heat Related Illnesses

EXTREME HEAT - HEAT RELATED ILLNESSES 

High temperatures and humidity can put you at risk for heat-related illnesses, especially if you're working or exercising outside.

It’s harder for our bodies to maintain a healthy internal temperature when it’s hot and humid. Our bodies usually cool down by sweating, but sweating is less effective when it’s humid.

Some people, like infants and young children, seniors, and people with chronic medical conditions, have a higher risk for developing heat-related illnesses.

Preventing heat-related illnesses

• drinking plenty of water
• staying in shaded or cool areas
• taking frequent breaks if you have to work outside
• wearing lightweight, light-coloured clothing
• avoiding leaving children, infants or pets unattended in vehicles
• checking on older neighbours and others vulnerable to heat-related illness, and offer air-conditioned shelter and water if needed

If recognized early and treated properly, a mild illness can be cured and prevented from progressing to something more severe. However, people might not always show symptoms before they develop a more serious illness.

There are 4 kinds of heat-related illness, listed from mildest to most severe:

Heat cramps

Heat cramps cause spasms of the leg and abdominal muscles. If someone experiences these cramps, they need to drink water, rest in a cool area, and gently stretch and massage the affected muscles.

Heat syncope

If someone faints or almost faints, move them to a cool, shady area immediately and give them water to cool down their body temperature.

Heat exhaustion

The symptoms of heat exhaustion include:

• fatigue, weakness or reduced energy
• dizziness
• headache
• nausea
• rapid pulse
• heavy sweating

Anyone who experiences these symptoms needs immediate medical attention. Move them to a shady area and give them water. Remove any excess clothing and place ice packs or cold wet towels in the neck, armpit and groin areas.

Heat stroke

Heat stroke is an emergency and the person must be taken to the nearest hospital.

Symptoms of heat stroke include:

• confusion
• disorientation
• loss of consciousness
• seizures

Before they get to the hospital, you can help the person by putting them in a pool with cold or ice water and applying ice packs to the neck, armpit, and groin area.

For more information on heat and humidity, and tips on preventing heat-related illnesses, visit Health Canada

Extreme Heat - Pet Safety

EXTREME HEAT - PET SAFETY

The summer months can be uncomfortable (even dangerous) for pets and people. It's difficult enough simply to cope with rising temperatures, let alone thick humidity, but things really get tough in areas that are hit with the double blow of intense heat and storm-caused power outages, sometimes with tragic results.

You can keep your pets safe and cool this summer.

Click here and follow these great tips for helping everyone in your family stay healthy while hot.

Extreme Heat - UV Index

THE UV INDEX

Environment and Climate Change Canada developed the UV Index to inform Canadians about the strength of the sun’s UV (ultraviolet) rays. UV can cause sunburns, eye cataracts, skin aging and skin cancer. The higher the UV Index number, the stronger the sun’s rays, and the greater the need to take precautions.