Heat waves can have serious consequences to your health, both immediately and in the long term. Health impacts can range from minor (heat rash or heat cramps) to life threatening (severe dehydration or nervous system damage) and even death.

Symptoms of heat illness can include dizziness or fainting, nausea, and headaches.

If you, or someone you are caring for, is displaying these symptoms during a heat wave, move to a cool area, drink water, and get help.

Resource

Recognize the signs and symptoms of heat illnesses, and know what to do.

• Recognizing the Signs & Symptoms of Heat-Related Illness

PEI is already experiencing the effects of a changing climate, including an increase in the frequency and severity of post-tropical storms, rising sea levels, and increased coastal erosion.

These risks present a great challenge to the current way of life on PEI, impacting our economy, our environment, and our communities.  

Climate change will also lead to increased risks to public health.

Hot tip

Keep up to date with local weather conditions, and access local climate data here.

Scientists expect climate change and its impacts to intensify and accelerate over the course of this century, with a projected doubling in the frequency of extremely hot days over the next 30 years.

Did you know?

Heat waves aren’t only a risk to your health – they can also strain the electric grid. Because higher temperatures tend to lead to increased use of fans, air conditioners, and refrigeration, heat waves can also result in power outages. Another good reason to be prepared!

A heat wave can be defined as 3 or more days when daytime temperatures exceed 29°C, with no relief at night. 

This puts a strain on individuals, plants (including crops), and animals.  It also increases the risk of wildfires

Hot tip

Check the humidex value. High humidity makes people feel hotter than they would on a drier day. This is because the perspiration that cools us down cannot evaporate as quickly in moist, saturated air.

The human body is calibrated for an optimal core temperature close to 36.6°C. 

When the surrounding environment gets very hot (above 31°C), the body’s natural cooling systems can be overwhelmed and the heart, kidneys and other organs must work harder than usual to maintain optimal core temperature.  

Heat waves can exacerbate existing respiratory and cardiovascular disease as well as mental illnesses, and can be a contributing cause of death for people with pre-existing medical conditions or experiencing alcohol poisoning, and drug overdoses.

If so, make sure to reach out and offer support during a heat wave, and visit the “Preparing for Heat Waves” section of this guide to get tips on how to stay cool.

Resource

{{ "fa-solid fa-phone" | iconclasses }}  8-1-1

Did you know?  A registered nurse is available 24 hours a day to answer your health questions over the phone and will: 

• help you determine whether you require emergency or non-urgent medical attention;

• provide current, reliable information related to your health issue; and

• offer helpful guidance about health services available in the province.

Note: In some cases, local telephone service providers may not be able to support 8-1-1 dialing. If this is the case, you may access the 811 service by calling 1-866-770-7724 from a telephone registered in Prince Edward Island only.

• Dial 7-1-1 if you are hearing impaired

Keep up to date with local weather forecast and alerts: Environment Canada

Evaluate if it is safe for you to stay at home. We often assume that staying home is the safest plan in an emergency, but that isn’t always the case.

If you are at risk and you live in a building that gets very hot, plan to go elsewhere during a heat wave. Identify places outside the home[TBI] where you can go to cool off.  Keep in mind that this place needs to be accessible, have access to water, and be comfortable to stay in for a while.

Resource

EMO’s Emergency Preparedness Guide 

Being prepared can make a world of difference in an emergency. Download EMO's Emergency Preparedness Guide

Strong social connections are critically important during all types of emergencies, including extreme heat. Identify who is at risk around you, and who can be of help to you in an emergency.

Arrange for regular check-ins on your family members, neighbours or friends in case they need help.

There are simple actions you can take at home to keep cool and reduce your risks of illness during a heat wave.

• Keep doors and windows closed during day to keep the heat out, then open them in the evening to allow cooler air to circulate

• Keep curtains and blinds closed to block out the heat of the sun during the day

• Identify your home’s/building’s coolest zone, maybe a basement or air-conditioned bedroom

• Turn off any appliances, electronics and lighting that you don’t absolutely need – they can give off extra heat

• Avoid cooking in the oven – no need to add additional heat to your home! Have light meals that don’t require heating

• Take cool showers or baths, or wet a cloth with cool water and place on neck, underwarms, hands, forearms, and/or feet

• Wear loose-fitting, light coloured clothing made of breathable fabric

• Drink regularly, even if you don’t feel thirsty.  Opt for plenty of water - avoid sugary or alcoholic beverages which can cause dehydration.

• If you are hungry, avoid high-protein foods.  Opt for fruits and vegetables- they have high water content

If you need to go outside, stay in the shade and take it easy.  Find places in your community that can help you keep your cool, including:

• Local businesses that offer free water bottle filling stations

• Shaded outdoor pools/spray parks/splash pads/beaches

• Parks and other shaded green space

Get a bit of relief and keep yourself from overheating by going to a public place that has air conditioning, such as a 

• Community centre

• Town hall

• Arena

• Faith Centre

• Library

• Shopping mall

• Movie theatre