With most areas of BC experiencing extreme heat warnings, it is important to monitor yourself, family, neighbors, and friends. Particularly individuals who are:
- older adults, especially those over 60
- people who live alone.
- people with pre-existing health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease or respiratory disease.
- people with mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, depression or anxiety.
- people with substance use disorders.
- people with limited mobility and other disabilities.
- people who are marginally housed.
- people who work in hot environments.
- people who are pregnant infants and young children.
It is also important to remember to:
- drink plenty of water and other liquids to stay hydrated, even if you are not thirsty.
- spray your body with water, wear a damp shirt, take a cool shower or bath or sit with part of your body in water to cool down.
- take it easy, especially during the hottest hours of the day.
- stay in the shade and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or more.
- take immediate action to cool down if you are overheating.
- signs of overheating include feeling unwell, headache and dizziness. Overheating can lead to heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Signs of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, severe headache, muscle cramps, extreme thirst and dark urine. If you are experiencing these symptoms, you should:
- seek a cooler environment, drink plenty of water, rest
- use water to cool your body.
Here are a list of resources that may help:
- BC Centre for Disease Control – Information and Resource Guide
- Interior Health – Current Advisories, Toolkits
- Prepared BC – Extreme Heat Preparedness Guide
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