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Extreme Heat

The combination of high heat, high humidity, and exposure to the sun’s UV rays can be hazardous to your health.  It’s important to prepare for hot weather to help prevent heat-related illness and death. Read below to find out what you can do to protect yourself and others.

Protect yourself

Prepare ahead of time: be on the lookout for heat alerts.  You can find out when there’s a heat alert by following:

Find out what air-conditioned places you can go to in your neighbourhood to stay cool.  Try libraries, galleries, malls, or community centres.

Have indoor back-up plans for outdoor summer activities.  There are plenty of fun things to do indoors to stay cool during extreme heat.  Go see a movie at a nearby theatre, head to a shopping mall or curl up with a good book at your local library.

During times of high heat and humidity:

  • Stay out of the sun
  • Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water or juice
  • Schedule strenuous outdoor activities for the early morning or evening hours
  • Wear loose-fitting, lightweight clothing
  • Spend as much time as possible in air-conditioned places
  • Never leave people or pets in your care inside a parked vehicle or in direct sunlight
  • Call or visit family, friends and neighbours to make sure they are okay, especially isolated adults and seniors, who are at greater risk of suffering from heat-related illness

Help others

  • Frequently visit neighbours, friends and family, especially isolated seniors, to make sure they’re cool and hydrated.
  • Children, the elderly, and those with chronic conditions are at higher risk of suffering from heat‑related illness.
  • If you have air conditioning, welcome family and neighbours into your home when they need a place to cool off.

Additional Resources