Extreme Heat/Heat Wave
What is Extreme Heat?
According to Public Safety Canada, heat-related illnesses occur when the body cannot cool itself efficiently, leading to a range of health problems. These illnesses can develop when the body is exposed to high temperatures for too long, especially during heatwaves. Here are some common heat-related illnesses:
- Heat Cramps: These are painful muscle cramps that can occur during heavy exercise or physical activity in hot weather. They are often caused by a loss of salt and moisture through sweating.
- Heat Exhaustion: This occurs when the body loses too much water and salt, usually through excessive sweating. Symptoms include heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, and headache. If not treated, heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke.
- Heat Stroke: This is the most severe form of heat-related illness and is considered a medical emergency. It happens when the body's temperature rises rapidly, and it can no longer regulate itself. Symptoms include a high body temperature, confusion, rapid pulse, and possibly unconsciousness. Heat stroke can be life-threatening if not treated immediately.
- Heat Rash: This is a skin irritation caused by excessive sweating during hot, humid weather. It appears as red clusters of pimples or small blisters.
Public Safety Canada emphasizes the importance of staying cool, hydrated, and aware of the signs of heat-related illnesses, especially during heatwaves.
Graphic Source: Health Canada
Extreme Heat public safety risk and vulnerable populations in Canada
Extreme heat is becoming a bigger health risk in Canada for several reasons:
- Warming Climate: The Earth's climate is getting warmer, which leads to more frequent and intense heatwaves. This means even places like Canada, which aren't used to extreme heat, are now experiencing it more often
- Cities Get Hotter: Cities tend to be hotter than rural areas because buildings and roads trap heat. This makes heatwaves in urban areas even worse
- Vulnerable People: Some groups of people, like the elderly, those with health problems, and those with low incomes, are more at risk during extreme heat. As heatwaves become more common, these groups are more likely to get sick or die from the heat
- Not Ready for Heat: In some parts of Canada, buildings and infrastructure aren't built to handle extreme heat, so they don't keep people cool enough during heatwaves
Heat-Related Deaths in British Columbia (BC)
In 2021, British Columbia experienced an extreme heatwave, called a "heat dome," which led to over 600 people dying from heat-related causes. This tragic event showed just how dangerous extreme heat can be, even in areas that usually have milder weather
Who is most at risk during Extreme Heat?
According to Public Safety Canada and Health Canada, the following groups are most at risk during extreme heat:
- Seniors (Older Adults): People over 65 are more at risk because their bodies don't cool down as easily as they get older. They might also have health problems that get worse in the heat
- Babies and Young Children: Little kids, especially babies, are more vulnerable because their bodies can't cool down as well, and they need others to help keep them safe from the heat
- People with Health Issues: Those who have ongoing health problems, like heart or lung diseases, diabetes, or mental health issues, are more likely to get sick from the heat. Some medications can also make it harder for them to stay cool
- People with Disabilities: Individuals with physical or mental disabilities may find it harder to stay cool or may not notice when they're getting too hot
- People Taking Certain Medications: Some medicines can make it harder for the body to stay cool or hydrated, putting people at greater risk during a heatwave
- Outdoor Workers: People who work outside, like construction workers or farmers, are more at risk because they spend long hours in the heat
- Low-Income Individuals: People with less money might not have air conditioning or live in homes that stay too hot, making it difficult for them to stay cool
- Homeless Individuals: Those without stable housing are more exposed to the heat and may not have access to cool places
- People Living Alone: Individuals who live by themselves might not have someone to check on them during a heatwave, which can be dangerous, especially for older adults or those with health problems
- Pets: Pets are also at risk in extreme heat because they can't cool down as easily as humans. They rely on their owners to keep them safe, so make sure they have plenty of water, shade, and never leave them in a hot car
These groups, including pets, are more likely to get sick from the heat, so it's important to make sure they get the help and care they need when the weather gets extremely hot
Be Prepared for Extreme Heat (Before, During and After)
BEFORE- Watch for Heat Alerts and Warnings: Pay attention to alerts about extreme heat events through the WeatherCAN app or Hello Weather
- Prepare Emergency Kits: Stock your kit with essential items and learn easy preparation steps.
- Create an Emergency Plan: Plan for extreme heat, considering the needs of all household members, including pets
- Arrange Check-Ins: Have family, friends, or neighbors check on you regularly during extreme heat
- Use Local Resources: Check with your local government for cooling centers, extended pool hours, or transportation services
- Know you Health Risks: It is important to know how extreme heat can affect you. Ask you doctor about about medications or conditions that increase your risk
- Recognize the sympotims of heat related illness (Heat Stoke or Exhaustion) and what to do if you or someone is experiencing signs and or symptoms
- Monitor conditions and be cautious of heat combined with humidity, wildfire smoke, and sun exposure
- Prepare your home
- Check AC or Heat Pump: Ensure your air conditioner or heat pump is working properly
- Have fans to move cool air around
- Cool Alternatives: Use curtains, blinds, or awnings to block the sun and open windows if it's cooler outside (while considering air quality)
- Make ice and have jugs of water on hand
- Use Cooling Centers: Visit public cooling centers or air-conditioned spaces if your home gets too hot
- Ventilate at Night: Open windows at night if safe to benefit from cooler temperatures
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water.
- Dress Appropriately: Wear loose clothing, a hat, and apply sunscreen (SPF 30+).
- Stay Cool: Remain indoors or in shady areas; visit cool places like air-conditioned stores or libraries.
- Avoid Overexertion: Refrain from strenuous outdoor activities.
- Manage Indoor Temperature: Close curtains during the day and use fans at night.
- Cool Off: Take cool showers, baths, or use wet cloths.
- Check on Others: Look after vulnerable individuals such as infants, seniors, and neighbors.
- Know the Signs: Watch for heat stroke symptoms and seek medical help or call 911 if needed.
- Cool Down: Allow your body to gradually return to normal temperature by staying in a cool environment and drinking water.
- Ventilate Your Home: Open windows and use fans to help cool down your living space if it was very hot during the event.
- Check for Damage: Inspect your home for any damage from the heat, such as issues with your cooling system or heat-related damage.
- Assess Health: Monitor yourself and others for any lingering health effects from the heat. Seek medical attention if you experience any ongoing symptoms.
- Review Preparedness: Evaluate how well your preparation and response worked and make improvements for future heat events.
- Stay Informed: Keep up with any updates or alerts related to ongoing weather conditions and continue to educate yourself on heat safety.
Extreme Heat - Public Alert Levels (Environment Canada Early Alerts, Advisories & Warnings)
The Early Notification for Extreme Heat is issued by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) or provincial health departments, when a significant heat event is expected. The timing of this notification can vary depending on the region and the severity of the forecasted heat.
Here’s a general overview:
- Advance Warning: The notification is usually issued several days before the expected heatwave to give people enough time to prepare. This might be 48 to 72 hours before the extreme heat is expected to begin.
- Criteria: The notification is based on specific criteria, such as expected high temperatures that are well above normal for that region and sustained for an extended period (e.g., two or more days).
- Targeted Communication: The early notification is aimed at vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, those with chronic illnesses, young children, and outdoor workers, to encourage them to take precautions.
- Information Provided: The notification typically includes information about expected temperatures, the duration of the heatwave, health risks, and recommended actions to stay safe (e.g., staying hydrated, seeking cool environments, checking on vulnerable individuals).
These notifications are an important part of public health efforts to minimize the impact of extreme heat events.
Nova Scotia’s Heat Alert and Response System
Heat alerts will be issued through the Heat Alert and Response System to inform Nova Scotians and community response partners when a heat event is coming. The new system is a partnership between Environment and Climate Change Canada, Health Canada, and the Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness
Heat warnings will be issued to inform the public when air temperature and humidex are above defined criteria so that they can take action to protect themselves from the risks associated with extreme heat.
When a heat alert is in place, advisories will be shared through Department of Health and Wellness Twitter https://twitter.com/nshealthand Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/NovaScotiaHealthAndWellness/
You can also visit Environment and Climate Change Canada website for more weather information. https://weather.gc.ca/warnings/index_e.html?prov=ns
If your organization provides services for those who are more vulnerable to heat, you may subscribe to Environment Canada’s email alert system. https://ecalertme.weather.gc.ca/home_en.php
In Nova Scotia, the criteria for issuing a Heat Warning typically follow guidelines set by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC). A Heat Warning is issued when the forecasted temperatures or humidex values (which combine temperature and humidity) are expected to reach dangerous levels for at least two consecutive days.
Specific Criteria:
- Temperature: The daytime maximum temperature is expected to reach or exceed 29°C.
- Humidex: The humidex value, which reflects the perceived temperature when humidity is factored in, is expected to reach or exceed 36°C.
- Duration: These conditions must be expected to persist for at least two days.
These criteria are designed to alert the public to potentially dangerous heat conditions, helping people take precautions to protect their health and safety.
Health Checks During Extreme Heat
Health checks during extreme heat eventsOnw way that you and your family can be prepated for Extreme Heat this summer is through Health Checks.
Extreme heat events can lead to dangerous indoor temperatures in homes without functioning air conditioning. Heath checks are used to assess how people at high risk of heat related illness are doing during extreme events. In-person health checks are best, but a remote health check is better than no health checks.
This summer, make sure to check in on family, friends, and neighbors during periods of Extreme Heat.
Health Checks During Extreme Heat Events:
- Quick Risk Assessment Checklist
- How to Recognize and Respond to Heat-Related Illnesses
- In-Person Health Checks
- Remote Health Checks
Extreme Heat Resources
- Public Safety Canada Prepare for Extreme Heat
- Health Canada Extreme Heat overview
- Seniors It's way too hot! Protect yourself from extreme heat
- Parents Keep children cool! Protect your child from extreme heat
- Athletes You're active in the heat. You're at Risk! Protect yourself from extreme heat
- Red Cross Heat Wave Tips
- World Health Organization Heat and Health
- Health Canada Health Facilities Preparation for Extreme Heat: Recommendations for Retirement and Care Facility Managers