Extreme Heat Warning

Posted: August 13, 2021 by cvsadmin

The sun is strong and the air quality is poor. Another extreme heat warning for Friday and this weekend has been released. Combined with the poor air quality from the smoke, it can be quite dangerous for anyone, particularly:

Older adults
Infants and young children
People with chronic illnesses (cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, renal disease, psychiatric illness)
People who are physically impaired (confined to bed, or dependence for assistance with daily living, sensory/cognitive impairment)
People taking certain medications (antihypertensives, antidepressants, antipsychotics, anti-Parkinson’s agents)

If you are working with vulnerable people, make sure they have access to water and cool areas while maintaining physical distancing: where possible pull shades and increase air flow in their area.

Watch for the symptoms of heat illness: dizziness/fainting; nausea/vomiting; rapid breathing and heartbeat; extreme thirst; decreased urination with unusually dark urine, confusion and/or lack of alertness.

Signs of heat illness may include changes in behaviour, dizziness or fainting, nausea or vomiting, headache, fast breathing or heartbeat, extreme thirst and decreased urination. Severe signs of illness requiring immediate medical care include a high body temperature, confusion, hallucinations, lack of coordination, seizures, or a loss of consciousness.

In general:

Drink plenty of water before you feel thirsty and stay in a cool place.
Make your home as comfortable as possible:
Close blinds and shutters during the daytime and open them at night. Open your windows at night to let in cooler air.
If you have air conditioning, use it to take the edge off indoor heat but don’t over-cool and remember that circulation of fresh air may reduce COVID-19 risk.
If you don’t have air-conditioning, take shelter in the coolest room in your home and use a fan. Blowing a fan across a pan of ice water can create a cool breeze.
Cool showers and misting yourself and your clothing with cool water will help keep you from overheating
If you are outdoors- Seek a cool place such as a tree-shaded area, shower or bath, or air-conditioned spot like a public building, but be mindful to avoid crowded spaces and maintain a 2-meter distance from others as much as possible

Please see Fraser Health Emergency Bulletin below for more information:

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