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Heat Alert Tips: How to Protect Your Family, Home, and Car During Extreme Heat
Does it seem like our Canadian summers these days always come with at least one too-long stretch of unbearable heat? You're not imagining it—climate change has made extreme hot weather a regularly occurring problem around the world, and Canadians are definitely feeling the heat. In fact, Canada is heating up twice as fast1 as the global average.
Heat alerts play an important role in providing Canadians with a heads-up that extreme heat is on its way, so you can better prepare for the hotter temps. And we're here to help you with those preparations. In this guide, we'll walk you through what heat alerts mean, the significant health and safety impacts of heat waves, and some tips to help you keep your family, home, and vehicle safe as the thermometer climbs.
How heat alerts work in Canada
The Government of Canada issues severe heat alerts through its extreme weather alert system. These heat warnings are triggered when temperatures or humidity levels in a region increase to potentially dangerous levels.
The conditions for issuing a heat alert varies from region to region. For example, in extreme southwest Ontario, a heat alert will be issued if the daytime temperature reaches 31°C or more or the humidex hits 42 or higher for two or more days in a row. In north Ontario, on the other hand, the threshold that triggers a heat alert is a daytime temperature of 29°C or a humidex value of 36 or higher over two consecutive days.2
In addition to these heat alerts, many provincial/territorial governments and local public health authorities have implemented heat alert and response systems (HARS) to help communities get through periods of extreme heat. These programs help organize hot weather support such as cooling centres and hydration centres, outreach for at-risk members of the public, and the coordination of heat-related communications and updates.
What is a heat wave?
A heat wave is a period of extreme heat that lasts for an extended period of time. Heat waves can happen all across Canada, and have become more common because of climate change.
One of the challenges we face during periods of extreme heat is how they interact with the environment. Heat waves increase air pollution, affecting the air that we breathe, and help set the stage for other serious issues such as drought conditions and power outages.
Do heat waves affect the Air Quality Index (AQI)?
Heat waves often have a big impact on the Air Quality Index (AQI) too. Here's why: During a heat wave, temperatures climb while air movement tends to slow. When this happens, the hot, slow-moving air traps pollutants (such as emissions from cars and industrial activity) near the surface of the earth, so they're less likely to disperse the way they would in normal weather.
These trapped pollutants then react with sunlight, forming ground-level ozone. When this ozone builds up, the AQI rises—sometimes to unhealthy levels that can make outdoor activities unsafe even for generally healthy people.
Are heat waves associated with other climate or weather events?
Yes, heat waves are often linked to other extreme weather events. Long periods of high heat can dry out the landscape. These dry conditions in turn make it easier for wildfires to start. On the flip side, extreme heat can also lead to heavy rainstorms and flash floods, especially when a cold front comes along to break the heat wave.
Health risks associated with heat waves
As the temperatures climb, so do the risks to your health. During a heat wave, the body's ability to self-regulate its temperature can be affected, especially when it's hot for days at a time with no relief at night. Here's how extreme heat can impact your health, and who may be most vulnerable.
What to know about heat exhaustion
Heat exhaustion is one of the first signs that your body may be struggling to cool itself. Common symptoms3 include dizziness, fainting, nausea, vomiting, heavy sweating, headache, and rapid breathing or a rapid heartbeat.
The fix? Actively cool yourself by moving to a cooler area, and drinking fluids (especially water) as soon as possible. Don't ignore the symptoms, as heat exhaustion can escalate into heat stroke, a more serious heat-related condition.
What to know about heat stroke
Heat stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when your body's temperature regulation system fails, causing your body temperature to spike to dangerous levels. Symptoms4 include a high temperature, confusion, lack of coordination, dizziness or fainting, and skin that's very hot and red.
If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, call 911 immediately. And while you're waiting for help to arrive, try to cool the person by moving them someplace cooler (if possible), applying cold water to as much of their skin surface as possible, and fanning them as much as you can.
Vulnerable populations: Who's most at risk during a heat wave
Some people are more vulnerable to the effects of extreme heat. Those most at-risk include older adults, young children, and people with chronic health conditions. Extreme heat can also have a disproportionate effect on those experiencing homelessness, as well as low-income households that have limited access to air conditioning.
Community programs can be helpful for protecting these vulnerable groups during a heat wave. And if you know someone who may be vulnerable, small actions could make a big difference, whether that's checking in on a neighbour, keeping children inside and hydrated, or making sure an older family member has a cool place to stay.
How to keep your family and pets safe during a heat wave
When high temperatures drag on, your first priorities are those in your care. Here are some simple actions you can take to help keep family members and pets safe when the temperature climbs:
- Stay indoors when temps are at their peak. It's usually hottest in the hours between 11am and 3pm ,5 so try to schedule outdoor activities outside of these hours.
- Keep everyone hydrated. Make sure to keep pets' water bowls full, and remind kids to drink regularly. Encourage older family members to drink even if they're not feeling thirsty.
- Dress kids in lightweight, breathable clothing. Cotton or moisture-wicking fabrics are a good option when temperatures rise. And make sure you avoid overdressing babies with extra layers.
- Walk pets in the early morning or after sunset. Bring water on your walks, and check the pavement to make sure it's not too hot for paws to walk on.
- Don't leave people or pets waiting in a parked car. When you're dealing with extreme heat, cracking a window open won't do much to stop internal temps from quickly rising to dangerous levels.
- Watch for signs of heat-related conditions. If you see symptoms of heat exhaustion, act fast by getting the person into shade or a cooler place and giving them water. For signs of heat stroke, call 911 immediately.
How do I prepare my home for a heat wave?
A few smart moves can make your home safer and more livable when hot temps endure. Here are some things you can do to prepare your home for a heat wave:
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During the heat wave |
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How do I prepare my car for a heat wave?
Extreme heat can also take a toll on your car (and everyone riding in it). Here's how to prepare your car for a heat wave:
Supplies to keep in your car |
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Before the heat wave hits |
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Driving in extreme heat |
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Heat waves are becoming more common, but being prepared can help you and your family stay safe and comfortable through the worst of the heat.
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