August 12, 2017
Heat Advisory
Manitoba Health, Seniors and Active Living is reminding Manitobans to take precautions to prevent heat-related illness. Environment and Climate Change Canada is forecasting a heat wave for northern Manitoba, beginning today and continuing until at least Tuesday. Daytime temperatures may reach highs near 30C and overnight temperatures will remain very warm, with lows near 16C.
In addition, some areas may experience diminished air quality associated with the smoke from wildland fires burning in the region.
Everyone is at risk for the effects of heat, though health risks are greatest for:
- older adults,
- infants and young children,
- people with chronic illnesses, such as breathing difficulties or heart problems,
- people who work or exercise in the heat (even if they are healthy),
- other vulnerable people like the homeless,
- people living alone, and
- people on certain medications.
Heat illnesses are preventable. The health effects of heat can be reduced by:
- drinking plenty of liquids, especially water, before you feel thirsty,
- wearing loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing and a wide-brimmed hat,
- planning outdoor activities during cooler times of the day,
- limiting alcohol consumption,
- avoiding sun exposure and considering cancelling or rescheduling outdoor activities,
- never leaving children or pets inside a parked vehicle or in direct sunlight,
- going to a cool place such as a mall, community centre, public library, or place of worship,
- taking a cool shower or bath, or going for a swim to cool off, or
- blocking sun by closing awnings, curtains or blinds during the day.
Watch for symptoms of heat illness. Regularly check on neighbours, friends and older family members, especially those who are ill or living alone,to make sure they are cool and drinking water. If dizziness, fainting, nausea, vomiting, headache or fast breathing occur during high temperatures, immediately move to a cool place and drink water. Emergency medical care may be needed depending on the severity of symptoms.
If emergency medical care is needed for someone who has a high body temperature, or is unconscious or confused, call for help. While waiting for help, cool the person right away by:
- moving them to a cool place if possible,
- applying cold water to large areas of the skin or clothing and
- fanning the person as much as possible.
For more information on heat and health, call Health Links-Info Santé at 204-788-8200 or 1‑888‑315‑9257 (toll-free) or visit:
- The Government of Manitoba: www.manitoba.ca/health/publichealth/environmentalhealth/heat.html;
- Health Canada: www.healthycanadians.gc.ca/healthy-living-vie-saine/environment-environnement/sun-soleil/heat-extreme-chaleur-eng.php;
- the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority: www.wrha.mb.ca/healthinfo/news/2010/100702.php; or
- for workplace concerns: www.safemanitoba.com.
Weather forecasts are available from Environment and Climate Change Canada at 204-983-2050 or http://weatheroffice.gc.ca/canada_e.html.
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