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.

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