Safety Tips for Extreme Heat
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Extreme heat can be dangerous for everyone, but people who work outdoors, the elderly, some people with disabilities, and children, particularly infants, are more vulnerable.
Hazard Information
Extreme heat can make you sick with:
• heat stroke
• heat rash
• heat cramps.
Some municipalities provide cooling stations during extreme heat. If an “Extreme Heat Alert” is in effect, check with your municipality (city or town) to locate what’s available near you.
Safety Tips
If you feel dizzy, weak or overheated:
• go to a cool place;
• sit or lie down;
• drink water;
• wash your face with cool water.
If you don’t feel better soon, seek medical help immediately
If you are indoors:
• Stay indoors to limit sun exposure
• Take frequent cool showers or baths
• Stay on lower floors if there’s no air conditioning
• Drink water and eat light, regular meals — avoid using salt
If you are outdoors:
• Spend the hottest part of the day in air conditioned public buildings (e.g., mall, library, cooling station)
• Drink water every 15 to 20 minutes even if you aren’t thirsty
• Dress in light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing covering as much of your skin as possible
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face
• Wear full UVA and UVB protection sunglasses
• Apply sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher 20 minutes before going outside
• Apply lip balm with an SPF 15 or higher
Prepare Now
Take the following steps so you and your family are prepared in the event of an emergency:
• Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun with drapes, shades or awnings
• Include extra water, sunscreen and sunglasses (with full UVA and UVB protection) in your emergency survival kit