Stay safe during extreme heat

• If you're at-risk, ask someone for extra help in advance of the heat, so they can check in on you, take you somewhere to cool down, or help with cooling measures in your home. 
• Know public and private locations to get cool, libraries, malls, movie theaters, religious centres, and community centres. 
• Consult your physician to address concerns pertaining to pre-existing health conditions.
• Create a safety plan, have a contact person to support you. Consider how you will leave your home to reach a cooler location.

• Consider purchasing thermal curtains that will reflect heat.
• Don’t assume a fan will cool your home.  Fans create air flow and a false sense of comfort, but do not reduce body temperature or prevent heat-related illnesses.
• Stock up on supplies to keep you comfortable during the heat such as an indoor thermometer, spray bottle, small towels, ice trays, portable umbrella and sunhat. 
• Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun with drapes, shades, awnings, or louvers. 
• Weather-strip doors and sills to keep cool air in and hot air out.

Connect with family, neighbours, friends - especially those who are more vulnerable. Prepare them or the heat and help them create a plan.

• Draw curtains, shades or shutters to help block direct sunlight  
• Close windows during the heat of the day to trap cooler air indoors  
• If safe, open windows overnight or whenever there is a cool breeze 
• Activate air conditioning or open windows in different areas to create a cross-breeze 
• Avoid indoor cooking.  
• If unable to cool your entire home, focus on one smaller area and sleep there. 
• Make a supply of ice

• Drink plenty of cold, alcohol-free, caffeine-free, and sugar-free liquids throughout the day, before you feel thirsty 
• When leaving the home, take extra cold water with you and be aware of where you can fill your water bottle if required

• Limit physical activity and exposure to the outdoors during the hottest hours 
• Seek out shade to rest in. 
• Move to a cooler indoor space, if possible. 

• Wear light coloured and lightweight clothing  
• Apply sunscreen and reapply regularly throughout the day  
• Wear a hat or other head covering

• Go to cooler indoor and outdoor spaces like tree-shaded areas, splash park
• Take a cool shower or bath
• Go to air-conditioned public spaces  
• Wear a wet or damp cloth or apply damp towels to your skin 
• Consider sleeping in the coolest place in your home  

Do not leave any person or animal in a vehicle above 20°C

• Leave out plenty of fresh water for your pet to drink
• Monitor your pet for signs of heat stress such as rapid panting
• Offer your pet a means to cool down such as a wading pool or damp towel
   

Although the South Saskatchewan River may provide a tempting option to cool down on hot days, the river is unpredictable and swimming in the river is prohibited. The river has many hazards including changing currents and an unstable bottom.

• Make sure your family, neighbours, friends - especially those who are more vulnerable - are doing okay. Check on them a couple times daily, stop by and take them out for a cooling break, and be sure they're staying hydrated.    
• Follow the National Collaborating Centre for Environmental Health (NCCEH) guide for in-person or remote health checks.