With temperatures across our region soaring into the high 30ºC range, and even with a couple days of 40ºC in some places, Interior Health is reminding everyone that too much heat can be harmful to anyone’s health and safety.
Here are a few tips to keep yourself and your family safe during extreme heat.
Step 1 - Determine who in your household or group is at most risk from high temperatures
IH states that infants, younger children, people over the age of 65, people with heart or breathing difficulties and people who exercise or work outdoors are at a higher risk of health complications from extreme heat.
Step 2 – Become familiar with the symptoms of heat-related illness
IH lists these symptoms:
- Pale, cool, moist skin
- Heavy sweating
- Muscle cramps
- Rashes
- Swelling in hands or feet
- Feeling tired and weak
- Feeling light headed, or fainting
- Headache
- Nausea and/or vomiting
The most severe symptoms of heat-related illness require immediate medical attention. Watch out for high fever, hallucinations, seizures and unconsciousness.
If you or a family member or friend experiences these symptoms, call 911 immediately.
Move the person to a cool place and cool them off by pouring water over them and fanning - a cool cloth on the neck can also help bring down the internal body temperature.
Step Three – Know how to avoid heat-related illness.
IH offers an extensive list:
- Plan any outdoor activity before 11 am and after 4 pm to avoid the more intense heat and sun.
- Drink plenty of fluids, water works best and too many alcoholic beverages can dehydrate you.
- To the best of your abilities, avoid outdoor work or exercise.
- If you must be outside working, drink 2 to 4 cups of water per hour – even before you feel thirsty. Rest in the shade when you need it.
- Use sunscreen to prevent sunburn.
- Do your best to stay in the shade. Wear lightweight, light-coloured clothing. Try a wide brimmed hat, even an umbrella will do the trick.
- If you are feeling too hot, go inside to an air conditioned building or take a cool bath or shower or jump in the lake. Sometimes fans just don’t cut it.
- NEVER leave children or pets in a parked car during extreme heat under any circumstances.
- Interior Healths says that if it’s 34ºC outside, the inside temperature of your car can reach 52ºC within 20 minutes – this can cause serious, sometimes life threatening, injury to children and animals.
- Regularly check on those who may be at higher risk of heat stroke or sun stroke. Make sure any children, older adults or those working outside or those with chronic illnesses are drinking enough water and staying cool enough.
Be sure to check out our story about keeping your animals safe as well!
