Staying safe in hot weather

Everyday health basics · 2 min read

Who is most at risk

• Older adults, babies and young children
• People with heart, lung or kidney conditions, or diabetes
• People who work or exercise outdoors
• People taking some medicines (ask a pharmacist if yours affect how you handle heat)

Ways to keep cool

• Drink water regularly, before you feel thirsty.
• Stay in the shade or indoors between late morning and late afternoon.
• Wear light, loose, light-coloured clothing and a hat.
• Keep curtains closed on sunny windows. Use air conditioning if you have it, or spend time in a cool public place.
• Take cool showers or baths.
• Never leave a child or animal in a parked car.
• Check on older neighbours and relatives.

Heat exhaustion

Signs include heavy sweating, cold and clammy skin, a fast and weak pulse, feeling sick or vomiting, cramps, tiredness, dizziness, headache or fainting. Move to a cool place, loosen clothing, sip water and put cool, wet cloths on the body. Get medical help if symptoms get worse or last longer than an hour, or if the person is vomiting.

Heatstroke: an emergency

Call 911 or your local emergency number if someone has a high body temperature, hot, red skin (dry or damp), a fast, strong pulse, a headache, confusion, or loses consciousness. Move them somewhere cooler and cool them with wet cloths or a cool bath while you wait. Don't give them anything to drink if they're confused or not fully awake.

Sources

• CDC: Heat-related illnesses
• CDC: Extreme heat
• MedlinePlus: Heat illness