Interior Health reminds the public of heat-safety tips
By Interior Health Authority
With temperatures across our region soaring this week — Environment Canada is forecasting temperatures in the high 30s into the weekend — Interior Health reminds everyone that too much heat can be harmful to your health.
“Excessive heat exposure can lead to weakness, disorientation and exhaustion,” the Interior Health media release said.
“In severe cases, it can also lead to heat stroke, also known as sunstroke. Heat stroke can be a life-threatening medical emergency.”
Who is most at risk?
Anyone can suffer from heat-related illness, but some people are at greater risk.
Take extra care to check on the following people regularly:
- Infants and young children, who rely on adults to monitor their environments and to provide them with enough fluid to drink;
- People 65 years or older, or anyone who needs assistance monitoring their wellbeing;
- People with heart problems and breathing difficulties;
- People who exercise or who work outside or in a hot environment.
Symptoms to watch for?
The symptoms of heat-related illness can range from mild to severe.
They include:
- Pale, cool, moist skin
- Heavy sweating
- Muscle cramps
- Rash
- Swelling, especially hands and feet
- Fatigue and weakness
- Light headedness and/or fainting
- Headache
- Nausea and/or vomiting
More severe symptoms – including high fever, hallucinations, seizures and unconsciousness – require urgent medical attention.
Call 911, move to a cool place, and cool the person with water and fanning.
What steps can people take to avoid heat related illness?
- Plan your outdoor activity before 11 a.m. or after 4 p.m., to avoid the most intense sun.
- Drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids. Water is the best choice.
- Avoid physical work or exercise outside in the heat of the day.
- If you must work or exercise outside, drink two to four cups of water each hour, even before you feel thirsty.
- Rest breaks are important and should be taken in the shade.
- Apply sunscreen to prevent sunburn, but remember this doesn’t protect from the heat.
- Stay in the shade, or create your own shade with lightweight, light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing, a wide brimmed hat, and/or an umbrella.
- If you’re struggling to keep cool, move indoors to an air-conditioned building or take a cool bath or shower. At temperatures above 30° C (86°F), fans alone may not be able to prevent heat-related illness.
- Never leave children or pets alone in a parked car. Temperatures can rise to 52° C (125° F) within 20minutes inside a vehicle when the outside temperature is 34° C (93° F). Leaving the car windows slightly open will not keep the inside of the vehicle at a safe temperature.
- Regularly check older adults, infants and children, those doing a lot of physical activity or working outside, and people with chronic disease or mental illness for signs of heat-related illness. Make sure they are keeping cool and drinking plenty of fluids. Check on those who are unable to leave their homes, and people whose judgment may be impaired.
After a low of 30 C Thursday, Environment Canada is calling for highs of 38 C Saturday and Sunday and 37 C Monday.
