Preparing for Heat Events

Keep your home cooler by:

• Making meals that don't need to be cooked in an oven.
• Shutting windows and closing shutters, curtains, or blinds in the morning to keep cooler air in and to keep the sun out.
• Opening windows and doors at night when the outdoor temperature goes down.

Find cooler spaces in our community:

• If you do not have air conditioning, spend time in cooler indoor spaces in the community like shopping centres or libraries.
• Seek cooler, breezier areas when outdoors, such as large parks with water features and lots of trees.

Think of people you know who may be more susceptible to heat and check in with them often, especially in the evening when indoor temperatures are highest. If you cannot check in-person, ask them to tell you what it says on their thermostat or indoor thermometer.

Encourage those who may not know they are at higher risk to take cool baths, sleep in the coolest room, or stay with friends.

If your home is cooler, invite those who are at highest risk to stay with you.

Never leave children, dependent adults, or pets alone in a parked car, leaving windows open will not help.

Follow these tips to help you manage your health during a heat event:

• Drink lots of water, even if you do not feel thirsty, especially during warm nights. Pay attention to the amount and colour of your urine. Dark yellow urine is a sign of dangerous dehydration.
• Protect yourself from the sun and stay cooler by:
  • staying in the shade;
  • avoiding direct sun mid-day;
  • wearing a hat and protective clothing;
  • using sunscreen with Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 or higher;
  • and wearing UV-protective eyewear.
• Lower your activity level and avoid intense activity. If you need to do errands, do them when it is cooler outside, early or late in the day.
• Watch out for severe headache, confusion, unsteadiness, loss of thirst, nausea/vomiting—they are signs of dangerous heat-related illness (heat stroke).
• If you are experiencing heat-related illness, take immediate action to cool down and call for help if needed. Dangerous heat-related illness (heat stroke) is a medical emergency.
• Cool down your body by:
  • wearing a damp shawl or shirt;
  • sitting in a cool or tepid bath to draw heat from the body into the water;
  • taking a cool shower;
  • using a damp sheet at night;
  • putting an ice tray in front of a fan; or
  • using a personal mister or spray bottle.
• Sleep in the coolest room of the house, even if that is not your bedroom.

Children are not always able to recognize how heat events can affect them. Follow these tips to protect children during heat events:

• Ensure they stay hydrated with plenty of water.
• Apply and reapply sunscreen throughout the day.
• Ensure they are wearing hats, sunglasses and light-weight clothing in breathable materials.
• Avoid being outside during the hottest part of the day.
• Seek cool places such as community centres, libraries, splash pads, waterparks or pools.

Pregnant people can be more vulnerable to heat exhaustion or heat stroke, particularly if they have other health concerns. Drink plenty of water, follow the tips on this page to stay cool, and avoid increased physical activity during hot weather.