Heat waves can develop quickly. Preparing before the first local heat warning can help protect you and the people you care about. Heat can affect anyone, but babies and young children, older adults, pregnant people, outdoor workers, people who live alone, and people with conditions such as heart disease, lung disease, kidney disease, or dementia are at greater risk.
Check your local weather forecast and heat warnings regularly. Make a heat plan before very hot weather begins. Know where you can go if your home becomes too warm, such as an air-conditioned library, shopping centre, community centre, or another cool indoor location. If cooling centres are available in your community, learn where they are. Make sure your fan or air conditioner is working, and arrange to check on family members, friends, or neighbours who may need extra help.
Prepare your home before hot weather arrives. Close blinds or curtains during the day to block sunlight. When it is cooler outside and safe to do so, open windows at night. Fill reusable water bottles, prepare meals that do not require the oven, and keep lightweight clothing easy to reach.
Drink water regularly to stay hydrated. If your doctor or nurse practitioner has told you to limit fluids because of a health condition, follow their advice and ask what you should do during very hot weather. Reduce strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day and take breaks in cool or shaded places.
Watch for headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, heavy sweating, extreme thirst, or less urine than usual. If you have these symptoms, move to a cool place, loosen your clothing, rest, and sip water if you are awake and able to drink. Confusion, fainting, seizures, or a very high body temperature are signs of heat stroke. Call 911 immediately and begin cooling yourself with cool water, wet towels, or move to a cooler place while waiting for emergency medical services.
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