Prevention in the event of a Heatwave

BEFORE

PREPARE YOUR HOME

• Make sure you can keep your home cool: opaque curtains, blinds, fans, air conditioner.
• Prepare an emergency kit: water, lightweight clothing, a spray bottle, medication.
• Use an indoor thermometer to monitor room temperature.

PLAN YOUR ACTIVITIES

• Check on weather alerts: sign up to receive weather advisories by dialing 1 866 982-7282 or by visiting CONSEILS CLIMAT’s website.
• Make an emergency plan that includes reminders to hydrate and emergency contacts.
• Discuss preventive measures with your friends, colleagues, and neighbours.

CREATE A SUPPORT NETWORK

• Have a list of emergency contacts ready.
• Identify people around you who are at risk: seniors, people living alone or who are ill.
• If you live alone, designate someone to check on you

DURING

ADJUST YOUR LIFESTYLE ACCORDINGLY

• Drink water regularly, even when you don’t feel thirsty.
• Avoid alcohol and heavy meals.
• Avoid physical exertion between 11:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m..
• Take cool baths/showers or use a spray bottle to cool off.
• Spend a few hours each day in public places with air conditioning: Pools, libraries, cooling centres.
• Wear loose-fitting, lightweight clothing in light colours.
• Protect yourself from the sun: Hat, SPF 15+ sunscreen.
• Check on friends and family members who are at risk, and let others know how you are doing.

COOL YOUR HOME

• Close curtains and windows during the day.
• Open them at night if the air outside is cooler.
• Limit the use of heat-generating appliances.

KEEP AN EYE ON YOUR HEALTH

• Dehydration: extreme thirst, fatigue, headache, dry mouth.
• Heat stroke: dizziness, nausea, confusion, skin that is hot and dry, lack of perspiration

AFTER

• Open windows and doors to let evacuate accumulated heat out of your home.
• Continue to drink water regularly.
• Update your kit and your contacts to prepare for the next heatwave.

WHAT TO DO?

• Feeling unwell? If you have health-related questions, call Info-Santé at 8-1-1.
• In case of an emergency call 9-1-1

Vulnerable Individuals

Check in regularly on vulnerable people around you, especially family members or neighbors who are elderly, isolated, or living with a chronic illness or mental health issues.

Source: West Island CIUSSS

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