Prevention
Is it safe to take salt tablets in the summer to prevent electrolyte loss?
Yes, as long as the person is drinking enough fluids, or if a doctor has prescribed it.
Workers should only use salt tablets if their doctor says so. Most people can regain electrolytes through normal meals and snacks.
Can my pets be negatively impacted by extreme heat?
Yes, they can too.
What is a heat rash?
As well as babies, adults can get heat rash, sometimes referred to as prickly heat, miliaria, or burns. This occurs in hot, humid weather. When sweat ducts are blocked, perspiration is trapped under the skin causing heat rash.
Is it dangerous to leave pets inside cars?
For pets, spending time in a hot car can be super dangerous because they get a heat stroke.
Do you think there will be more extreme heat-related injuries and death in the future?
Yes, due to climate change.
What can I do to protect my pets from extreme heat?
If your pet stays outdoors during extreme heat, make sure they have cold water and an area out of the sun where they can cool off.
Name a group that is most at risk from extreme heat?
Infants and young children
People 65 years of age or older
People who are overweight
People who overexert during work or exercise
People who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure, or who take certain medications, such as for depression, insomnia, or poor circulation
What is darker urine a sign of?
Dehydration.
What’s the best clothing for hot weather or a heatwave?
Wear light-coloured clothes that are light in weight and loose-fitting. Light-coloured fabrics reflect light and heat, and flowing garments allow air circulation. Use natural fabrics that absorb sweat and allow the skin to breathe; cotton, linen, and silk work best for that.
Can heat waves cause blackouts and power outages?
Yes.
What should you do if you work in a hot environment?
wear light and breathable summer clothing (if applicable)
cover their head to prevent exposure to direct sunlight.
wear reflective clothing in a high radiant-heat situation.
consider air, water, or ice-cooled insulated clothing for very hot environments.
Do rural or urban areas experience higher temperatures?
Urban areas often experience higher temperatures during the summer.
Name any 3 symptoms/signs of heat exhaustion.
Paleness
Tiredness
Weakness
Dizziness
Headache
Fainting
Muscle cramps
Heavy sweating
List one way of coping with extreme heat?
Shut windows and pull down shades when it is hotter
Stay out of the sun
Have cool baths or showers
Sprinkle water over your skin or place a wet cloth
Do not leave people in a car
Drink cold drinks, juice, water
What are some Extreme heat Conditions?
Extreme heat is a period in which the temperature is above 90 degrees for more than a couple of days. You work hard in extreme heat to stay at a
normal temperature, so you can die.
Can medications increase the risk of a heat stroke?
Natural cooling mechanisms are in place to minimize the risks of overheating, but these same medications, including some over-the-counter ones, can also raise your risk of heat exhaustion, heatstroke, or severe sunburn.
Who is most likely to be impacted by heat strokes?
Young children and adults over the age of 65 are most likely to experience heat exhaustion or other heat-related illness.
Name any 3 symptoms/signs of heat strokes.
Extremely high body temperature 103°+
Difficulty breathing
Red, hot, dry skin (with no sweating)
Rapid, strong pulse
Throbbing headache
Dizziness
Nausea
Mental Confusion
Delirium
Hallucinations
Chills
Unconsciousness
What should you do if you are under an extreme heat warning?
Find air conditioning.
Avoid strenuous activities.
Wear light clothing.
Check on family members and neighbours.
Drink plenty of fluids.
Watch for heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke.
Never leave people or pets in a closed car.
What does Heat Index mean? How can it feel hotter than it is?
If the actual air temperature is not hot enough by itself, the humidity will increase the sensations of heat on the skin. This is also known as the "apparent temperature" or the "feels like" temperature. The higher the humidity, the hotter it feels above the actual air temperature.
Give three ways to protect yourself against heat-related illness?
Stay hydrated - drink water even when you aren't thirsty
Stay in an air-conditioned area
Acclimatize yourself by only staying out in the heat for a few hours each day
Wear sunscreen
Wear loose, light-coloured clothing
Which country is most affected by extreme heat-related injuries and deaths?
America
Which chronic medical conditions put people at higher risk for heat-related illness?
People with breathing difficulties
Heart condition
High blood pressure
Kidney problems
Parkinson’s disease
Depression, dementia, or other mental illnesses
Which of the following should you do if you are with someone suffering from heatstroke?
Call 911
Place a cool, damp towel on their body
Move the person to the shade or a cooler area
In approximately how many hot days would be expected to double in Canada?
30 days.