Stay safe in the heat

June 28, 2021

The return of summer means BBQs, extra daylight, and trips to the beach! But hot weather can also be a risk to your health.

Extreme heat can cause health problems such as dehydration, exhaustion, and heat stroke, as well as worsen existing health conditions. In fact, heat is the leading cause of weather-related death.

Read these 8 tips to safely enjoy the warm weather.

1 - Pay attention to local heat and weather alerts to know when extra heat caution is needed.

1 - Pay attention to local heat and weather alerts to know when extra heat caution is needed.

2 - Make sure you and your family drink plenty of liquids, preferably water. You should 2-4 cups of water every hour when spending time outdoors.

2 - Make sure you and your family drink plenty of liquids, preferably water. You should 2-4 cups of water every hour when spending time outdoors.

3 - Learn the signs of dehydration,  heat exhaustion and heat stroke, and so you can respond quickly to emergencies.

3 - Learn the signs of dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke, and so you can respond quickly to emergencies.

4 - Be aware that young children, older adults, people who are homeless, those who don’t have air conditioning, and outdoor workers, and people with chronic health conditions are especially vulnerable to heat.

4 - Be aware that young children, older adults, people who are homeless, those who don’t have air conditioning, and outdoor workers, and people with chronic health conditions are especially vulnerable to heat.

5 - Find air conditioned spaces on hot days. If your home doesn’t have air conditioning, spend time at the local library, shopping malls, or community centre.

5 - Find air conditioned spaces on hot days. If your home doesn’t have air conditioning, spend time at the local library, shopping malls, or community centre.

6 - Seek shade. Take advantage of trees, umbrellas, hats and loose clothing to keep the sun off your skin.

6 - Seek shade. Take advantage of trees, umbrellas, hats and loose clothing to keep the sun off your skin.

7 - Avoid outdoor and strenuous activities between 11 am and 4 pm, when it's usually hottest.

7 - Avoid outdoor and strenuous activities between 11 am and 4 pm, when it's usually hottest.

8 - Cool down by taking a dip in a lake, using a sprinkler, or having a cold shower.

8 - Cool down by taking a dip in a lake, using a sprinkler, or having a cold shower.


Want to learn more? Learn the signs of dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Stories@IH

Read our latest stories

2 Minute Read
Health & Wellness

Heart disease is the number one killer of women worldwide and the leading cause of premature death in Canada. One in 3 women will be affected by heart disease.

3 Minute Read
Health & Wellness

Interior Health (IH) and our community partners offer mental health services for youth and adults. Our services are confidential and safe, and free of judgment

3 Minute Read
Community & Culture

Renowned Métis artist Johnny Mukwa’s donation of two art pieces to Kootenay Lake Hospital comes from a deeply personal place.

2 Minute Read
Community & Culture

We’re honoured to announce that IH has been recognized as one of BC’s Top Employers, a distinction that celebrates organizations across the province.

3 Minute Read
Community & Culture

Tanis loves bringing people together in meaningful ways. She helps others use their skills, time and compassion to make a positive difference.

2 Minute Read
Research & Innovation

At IH, there’s an opportunity for medical staff to advance their careers through the NAVIG8 Emerging Medical Leaders Program.

STAY CONNECTED

Receive news, alerts, public service announcements and articles right to your inbox.

mail