Guidance to Stay Safe During Extreme Heat

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Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued a heat warning multiple areas in the Interior Health region.  Read the full PSA on our website: https://bit.ly/3VPfyZv

It's most important to monitor yourself, family members, neighbours and friends during hot weather. Consider developing a check-in system for those who are at high risk of heat-related illness.  
 
Take care of your health: 
🚰 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.   
⛱️ When outside, stay in the shade and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.  
🌡️ 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 and monitor your symptoms.   
⚠️  Signs of heat stroke include loss of consciousness, disorientation, confusion, severe nausea or vomiting and very dark urine or no urine. Heat stroke is a medical emergency.  

In the event of a medical emergency, call 911. However, it is important to use 911 responsibly to avoid overwhelming the system.  

Find a broad range of heat-related guidance from the BCCDC: https://bit.ly/4eOMKcf
Find online tools, including a "Check Your Symptoms" tool: https://bit.ly/3ivfWYa
Learn more on our website: https://bit.ly/3UPQsJB

Source: Interior Health