It’s much too hot! Protect yourself from extreme heat

Organization: Health Canada

Year: 2024

It’s much too hot! Protect yourself from extreme heat

Health Canada’s guide “It’s Much Too Hot! Protect Yourself from Extreme Heat” provides essential public health information to help Canadians stay safe during periods of extreme heat. The resource outlines who is most vulnerable—such as seniors, young children, individuals with chronic illnesses, and those on certain medications—and provides proactive measures to reduce risk. Key recommendations include staying hydrated, avoiding outdoor activities during peak heat, and identifying symptoms of heat-related illnesses such as dizziness, nausea, and rapid heartbeat. The guide also emphasizes the importance of preparing your home environment: using air conditioning, blocking direct sunlight, and ventilating at night. It urges the public to check on at-risk individuals, including the elderly and those living alone. Importantly, it outlines steps for managing heat emergencies, such as calling 911 if someone shows signs of heat stroke. The resource supports resilience and awareness in a warming climate context.