While extreme heat can put everyone at risk, health risks are greatest for:

• older adults;
• infants and young children;
• people with chronic illnesses, such as breathing difficulties, heart conditions, or psychiatric illnesses;
• people who are pregnant;
• people who work in the heat;
• people who exercise in the heat;
• people experiencing homelessness; and
• low-income earners.

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 illnesses and consult a healthcare professional, family, friend, or neighbour for assistance if you experience any of these symptoms. Extreme heat puts everyone at risk of heat illnesses. People living in areas with cooler climates can be more susceptible to extreme heat than those who are regularly exposed to hot environments and have had an opportunity to acclimatize to warmer temperatures. Watch for symptoms of heat illness, which include:

• dizziness or fainting;
• nausea or vomiting;
• headache;
• rapid breathing and heartbeat;
• extreme thirst; and 
• decreased urination with unusually dark yellow urine.

If you experience any of these symptoms during extreme heat, immediately move to a cool place and drink liquids. Water is best.
Heat stroke is a medical emergency! Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately if you are caring for someone, such as a neighbour, who has a high body temperature and is either unconscious, confused or has stopped sweating. While waiting for help – cool the person right away by:

• moving them to a cool place, if you can;
• applying cold water to large areas of the skin or clothing; and
• fanning the person as much as possible.

• Frequently visit neighbours, friends, and older family members, especially those who are chronically ill to make sure that they are cool and hydrated.
• Drink plenty of cool liquids, especially water, before you feel thirsty to decrease your risk of dehydration. Thirst is not a good indicator of dehydration.
• Reschedule or plan outdoor activities during cooler parts of the day.
• Wear loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing made of breathable fabric.
• Never leave people or pets in your care inside a parked vehicle of in direct sunlight
• Take a break from the heat by spending a few hours in a cool place. It could be a tree-shaded area, swimming facility or in an air-conditioned spot such as a public building, shopping mall, grocery store, place of worship or public library.
• Take cool showers or baths until you feel refreshed.
• Prepare meals that don’t need to be cooked in your oven.
• Block sun out by closing awnings, curtains, or blinds during the day.
• Avoid sun exposure. Shade yourself by wearing a wide-brimmed, breathable hat or using an umbrella.
• Reduce strenuous activity during periods of extreme heat, and plan physical activities for cooler parts of the day. Exercise in an air-conditioned place, or a cooler outdoor location such as a tree-shaded area away from from high traffic to avoid high levels of air pollution. Pollution levels tend to be higher on hot days; the Air Quality Health Index can be used to determine the air quality in your neighbourhood, if available. Visit our Air Quality and Health page for more information. 

If you must go out remember to stay sun-safe