Symptoms of heat-related illness

Adverse health effects that can occur from exposure to excessive heat include:

  • heat rash: red or pink rash usually found on the neck, chest and/or elbow creases
  • heat cramps: painful muscle cramps
  • heat exhaustion: heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting and fainting
  • heat stroke: headache, dizziness, confusion and fainting; skin may be hot and dry or damp; this is a medical emergency – seek emergency help and cool the person down right away

Other health problems can also occur, especially for those with chronic medical conditions such as heart disease or diabetes.

Consult a healthcare provider or call Health811 (TTY: 1-877-797-0007) if you experience any of the above symptoms.

In the event of medical emergency (for example, loss of consciousness), call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.

Individuals at high risk of heat-related illness

During an extreme heat event, everyone is at risk, but some groups are more vulnerable than others. They include:

  • infants and young children
  • older adults
  • people who live alone
  • people with chronic medical conditions (for example, heart disease, respiratory conditions, overweight, diabetes) or mental illnesses (for example, schizophrenia, depression, dementia)
  • people on certain types of medications (for example, for high blood pressure, for mental illnesses, etc.)
  • people experiencing homelessness, underhoused, or other challenges in accessing cool spaces
  • people with limited mobility
  • people who exercise vigorously outdoors (play sports, cyclists, gardeners)
  • outdoor workers (depending upon length or time and exertion levels)
  • people who work in places where heat is emitted through industrial processes (for example, foundries, bakeries, dry cleaners) footnote 1

Some municipalities provide heat relief programs (for example, cooling stations) during extreme heat event. If an "Extreme Heat Alert" is in effect, check with your municipality or local public health unit to locate what’s available near you.

How to prevent heat illnesses

Be aware and prepared to handle an extreme heat event. If you have any symptoms during extreme heat (for example, feeling dizzy, weak, or overheated), you should:

  • immediately move to a cool place (that is, indoor environments <26°C)
  • rest by sitting or lying down
  • drink water

Remember to take it easy after feeling better from cooling off, as you may still be at risk afterwards.

Stay hydrated

  • Drink plenty of cool liquids (water is best) to decrease your risk of dehydration. Thirst is not a good indicator of dehydration.

Stay cool

  • Dress in light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing, wear a hat and apply sunscreen.
  • If feasible, open your windows at night and create a cross-breeze. Close awnings, curtains, or blinds during the day to reduce heat indoors.
  • If you have an air conditioner, set it to a comfortable temperature. For those at risk during extreme heat events, sustained exposure to indoor environments over 26°C can pose a risk to health.
  • Reschedule activities as needed to avoid being out when it’s hottest.
  • Avoid using the oven or other appliances that will add heat to your home.
  • If you must do physical activity in the heat, take extra breaks, remove excess clothing, and keep hydrated.

If you are outdoors

  • Spend the hottest part of the day (typically noon to 2 p.m.) in air-conditioned public buildings (for example, mall, library, cooling station).
  • Reschedule or plan outdoor activities during cooler parts of the day.
  • If you must do physical activity in extreme heat, take extra breaks to let your body cool off and drink lots of water.
  • Give your body time to recover after being in the heat. Wear a hat to protect your face, UV-protective eyewear for your eyes, and apply sunscreen (SPF 30 or greater) to prevent skin cancer.

Health checks for those at risk

If feasible, check up on friends, family, or neighbours who are at increased risk during extreme heat events, particularly if they do not have access to functioning air conditioning, as elevated indoor temperatures may be higher than they seem. This may involve asking them what the specific temperature is on their thermostat, or an in-person visit.

While fans may provide some heat relief, they may be insufficient to fully cool someone down. A proper air conditioning unit is preferred.

Do not leave people or pets in parked vehicles as they can get very hot!

Prepare now

  • Consider having a water supply ready, as well as ice to keep your water cold.
  • If possible, have an air conditioner in your home, or know where you can access air-conditioned spaces for cooling.
  • Identify a cooler space in your home and prepare it so you can sleep there at night, even if it is not your bedroom.
  • Know the symptoms of heat-related illness and keep the above safety tips in mind
  • Know where the cooling centres are in your community.
  • Check in on individuals who may be more susceptible to heat, preferably twice a day. Watch local weather forecasts and alerts: