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Extreme Temperature
During the peak of summer and winter Canadians may be exposed to extreme weather temperatures. Extreme heat and cold can be dangerous for everyone and proper preventative measures must be taken.
Anyone could be at risk of illness or death from extreme cold, especially when proper precautionary measures are not taken. Always remember to consult a healthcare provider if you experience any of these conditions or require assistance.
Windburn: Can happen when cold wind removes the top layer of oil from the skin
Symptoms include:
- Redness
- Soreness
- Itchiness
- Excessive dryness
Frostbite: Can happen when the skin and blood vessels just below the skin get too cold. Frostbite is most common on the fingers, toes, nose, ears, cheeks, and chin.
Symptoms include:
- Changes in skin colour
- Tingling or numbness
- Burning sensations
- Blisters (in some severe cases)
- Pale and waxy looking skin
- Pain and swelling
If you or someone you care for is experiencing these symptoms, take these actions:
- Move indoors if possible
- See a doctor (seek medical attention)
- Cover the affected area and gradually warm the body
- Do not rub, massage, or shake the area
- Take off clothing that is too tight (or may restrict circulation)
- Take off clothing that is wet and put on dry clothes (if possible)
- Try to wiggle the toes and fingers while warming up slowly
Hypothermia: Can happen when your body becomes too cold (your body loses heat faster than it can produce it).
Symptoms include:
- Feeling tired or loss of consciousness
- Difficulty speaking
- Shivering (in early stages)
- Difficulty moving
- Confusion
If you or someone you care for is experiencing these symptoms, take these actions:
- See a doctor (seek medical attention)
- Move to a warm location if possible
- Dry and slowly warm your body
- Let yourself shiver (this will help you get warm!)
- If the person you are caring for is unconscious, lay them flat.
While extreme cold can put everyone at risk, health risks are greatest for:
- Older adults
- Infants
- Individuals with chronic illnesses or taking certain medications
- Individuals who work or exercise outdoors
- Individuals living in homes that are poorly insulated
- Those who are experiencing homelessness
If you are taking medication or have a health condition, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about very cold temperatures and follow their recommendations. Remember to check in on family, friends, or neighbours during these times.
Take steps to protect yourself and those you care for when it is cold outside.
Dress in warm clothes (if possible):
- Wear layers of clothes, like a shirt, a sweatshirt, and a winter coat.
- Wear warm socks, gloves, a hat, and scarf. Place your scarf over your nose to help protect it from the cold.
- Have extra clothing on hand. Change into dry clothing as soon as possible.
Protect Yourself:
- On sunny days wear sunglasses, lip balm, and sunscreen for protection against UV rays and windburn.
- Wear a face mask and goggles to protect your face from frostbite and windburn when participating in winter activities.
- Stay moving when outside, it will help you stay warm.
- Avoid alcohol. Alcohol may increase your risk of hypothermia and ability to respond or recognize symptoms or cold related injuries.
Monitor the Weather:
- Monitor local weather alerts or special statements.
- Find shelter when possible.
- Download the WeatherCAN app to your phone for direct alerts.
Extreme heat events involve high temperatures and sometimes high humidity. They can cause heat-related illnesses if proper precautionary measures are not taken.
A Heat Warning is issued when the day-time temperature is forecasted to be above 29°C and with a minimum temperature of greater than or equal to 18°C or Humidex greater than or equal to 36°C are forecasted for 2+ days.
An Extended Heat Warning is issued when the same conditions apply above 29°C and with a minimum temperature greater than or equal to 18°C or if the humidex is greater than or equal to 36ºC for more than 3 days.
Heat illnesses include:
- Heat stroke
- Heat exhaustion
- Heat fainting
- Heat edema (swelling of hands, feet, and ankles)
- Heat rash
- Heat cramps (muscle cramps)
While extreme heat can put everyone at risk, health risks are greatest for:
- Older adults
- Infants and young children
- People with chronic illnesses
- People who work or exercise outside
- Homeless people
- People who use alcohol or illicit drugs
If you are taking medication or have a health condition, consult your doctor or pharmacist to see if it increases your health risk during extreme temperatures and follow their recommendations.
Watch for signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses and consult a healthcare professional, family, friend, or neighbour for assistance if you experience any of these symptoms.
Symptoms include:
- Dizziness or fainting
- Nausea or vomiting
- Headache or confusion
- Rapid breathing and heartbeat
- Extreme thirst
To help someone with a heat-related illness:
- Call for medical help
- Move to a cool location
- Remove excess clothing
- Apply cool water to skin or clothing
- Drink liquids, water is best
- Frequently check in on neighbours, friends, and family to make sure they are cool and hydrated.
- Drink plenty of cool liquids, especially water. Avoid alcohol or caffeine.
- Take cool showers or baths until you feel refreshed.
- Go to air-conditioned or cooler places like shopping malls, libraries, or community centers.
- Prepare meals that don’t require an oven.
- Keep electric lights off or turned down low.
If you must go outside, remember to stay sun-safe.
- Reschedule or plan outdoor activities during cooler parts of the day.
- Avoid sun exposure. Shade yourself by wearing a wide-brimmed, breathable hat or using an umbrella.
- Wear loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing made of breathable fabric.
- Wear sunglasses with UV protection
- Use sunscreen and remember to re-apply as needed.
Date of Creation: June 1, 2015
Last Modified: November 3, 2023