The following guidelines are recommended by Chatham-Kent Public Health when high temperatures and high humidity readings are experienced in the local area. This is particularly important for babies, young children, older adults or those with serious medical conditions.

To avoid heat-related illness please note the following:

• Drink lots of water and natural juices even if you don’t feel thirsty.  Remember to drink small amounts frequently, especially if working outdoors
• Sports beverages may help replace salt and minerals that are lost through perspiration.
• Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages, coffee or any other caffeinated drinks.
• Avoid going out in the sun or heat when possible.  If you must go outside, stay in the shade as much as possible.  Plan outdoor activities in the early morning or in the evening.
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat and apply sunscreen.
• Keep window shades or drapes drawn and blinds closed on the sunny side of the house.
• Keep lights off as much as possible.
• Wear light coloured, loose clothing.
• Avoid eating heavy meals or using the oven.
• Avoid even moderately strenuous activities or exercise.
• Use fans to circulate the air.
• Reduce the use of vehicles, reduce idling, avoid using oil based paints and glues, pesticides, and gas-powered small engines.
• When working outside for any reason make sure you have a buddy nearby in the event of a heat related problem.
• Take frequent cool showers or baths.
• Go to a public air conditioned environment such as libraries, malls or other public buildings.
• Rest as much as possible.
   

For babies and young children

Babies and children up to four years of age are sensitive to the effects of high temperatures and rely on others to regulate their environments and provide adequate protection.

• Never leave children in a vehicle even for a few minutes.
• Place them in tubs of lukewarm water frequently to lower their body temperature.
• Give children lots of fluids, particularly water and items such as popsicles and freezies.
• Make sure to apply sunscreen, SPF 15 or higher (broad spectrum or UVA/UVB protection) frequently and to use a hat if it is necessary to go outside even in the shade.
•  Watch carefully for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
• If you notice a heat rash such as red clusters of pimples or small blisters, keep the area dry.  Corn starch may be used to increase comfort.
• Consult a medical practitioner if sunburn affects infants of less than one year of age.
   

For frail older, adults who are overweight or those with serious medical conditions, in addition to the above noted points:

• Check on them at least twice.  Watch for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
• Ensure that they have adequate fluids, as described above, readily available.
   

For outdoor pets:

• Never leave pets in a vehicle for even a few minutes, whether the windows are open or not.
• Ensure that they have a steady supply of water, including a secondary bowl in case of spillage.
• Ensure that there is adequate shade throughout the entire day.  If possible bring pets indoors.
  
  

What to do if you see any of these signs:

• Get the victim to a shady area.
• Cool the victim rapidly using what ever method you can (a cool tub of water, shower, spray with water from garden hose, sponge with cool water or wrap in a cool wet sheet and fan vigorously.
• Monitor body temperature and continue cooling methods until body temperature reaches 38-39C (101-102F).
• Do not give the victim fluids to drink.
• Get medical assistance as soon as possible.
   

Contact your medical practitioner or call 911 if the symptoms worsen or last longer than one hour.

For more information, please contact the Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit at 519-352-7270.