Exposure to Hot/Cold Temperatures

Exposure to Hot Temperatures

A combination of heat and high humidity can be hazardous to your health. Climate Change has added to this risk with more often and prolonged heat events. Conditions during high heat and humidity have the potential to cause dehydration, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and in some cases death. Everyone is at risk from exposure to hot temperatures. The following groups are in greater danger of being affected including the elderly people with chronic illness or who take certain medications, infants and preschool children, people who participate in physical activity, and those who work outdoor for long periods of time and those without adequate housing. Prevent heat related illness by keeping cool, taking a cool shower, wearing light clothing and taking breaks in a cool place. Do not leave loved ones and pets in hot vehicles. Remember to drink plenty of water and that alcoholic or caffeinated drinks can lead to dehydration.

During a Heat Warning, the public is strongly encouraged to check on a neighbour or a friend who may have a greater risk of suffering negative health consequences from the heat and humidity. Use this guide: Health checks during extreme heat events: A guide for doing in-person or remote health checks. Check the resources below for information on heat related illness and how to protect yourself.

Emergency Cooling Centres can offer some cool and safe relief to those without air-conditioning at home. For more information visit the emergency cooling centres section of our website.

Resources

• Health Canada
  • Extreme Heat Events
  • It’s much too hot! Protect yourself from extreme heat
  • Keep children cool! Protect your child from extreme heat
  • You’re active in the heat. You’re at risk! Protect yourself from extreme heat
  • Infographic: Staying Healthy in the Heat
  • Video: Staying healthy in the heat
  • Extreme heat and COVID-19
  • Emergency Preparedness Starts With You
• Government of Ontario: Managing heat stress at work

Exposure to Cold Temperatures

Cold weather can cause very serious health conditions and even death. Climate Change has added to this risk with more often and prolonged cold events. Unprotected skin can freeze in as little as 10–30 minutes, and the risk of developing hypothermia is high. During very cold weather, everyone is at risk; however, people experiencing homelessness, the elderly, infants and children, people taking certain prescription medications, people with certain pre-existing health conditions, outdoor workers, winter activity enthusiasts, and people living in homes that are poorly insulated (without heat or power) are in greater danger. During extreme cold weather the Health Unit encourages the public to check on family members, neighbours, or friends who may be isolated, disabled, living alone, or without sufficient shelter and who maybe at greater risk of suffering cold weather-related injuries.

Emergency warming centres can offer some warm and safe relief for those without enough heat at home. Check with your municipality to see what is available near you.