Heat Waves

While Canada is often known for its winters, summer temperatures can soar—and prolonged heat can become dangerous for many people.

Extended exposure to extreme heat can lead to heat-related emergencies such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. To help protect yourself and your family during a heat wave, follow these steps:

• Stay hydrated and keep cool.
• Check in on neighbours, friends, and others who may be at risk.
• Prepare for potential power outages and have an emergency plan in place.
• Review the contents of your emergency kit to ensure you’re ready if the power goes out.

Before a Heat Wave

Stay informed:

• Listen to local news and weather reports for heat warnings.
• A heat warning, as defined by Environment Canada, means daytime and nighttime temperatures or humidex values are expected to be higher than average for two or more consecutive days.
• Understand the humidex – it combines temperature and humidity to reflect how hot it feels.

Get your space ready:

• Arrange for fans or air conditioning to help keep your home cool.
• Identify public spaces where you can cool off, such as libraries, malls, or municipal cooling centers.
• Talk to your household about heat safety and develop an emergency planfor home, work, or school – including how to manage during power outages.

Be proactive:

• Get to respond to heat-related emergencies.
• Identify neighbours or community members who may need assistance, such as seniors, children, or those with medical needs.
• Learn more about heat wave planning on the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Sun Safety page.

During a Heat Wave

Stay hydrated and cool:

• Drink plenty of cool fluids—even if you’re not thirsty.
• Check in regularly with children and seniors to ensure they’re drinking enough water.
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine, as they can cause dehydration.

Avoid peak heat times:

• Stay indoors during the hottest hours (usually 10 am - 2 pm).
• Dress in light, loose clothing to help air circulate.
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat and apply SPF 15+ sunscreen before going outside.

Care for pets and animals:

• Ensure pets have access to fresh water and shaded areas at all times.
• Never leave animals (or children) alone in a vehicle.

Check on others:

• Monitor how you and those around you are feeling.
• Reach out to vulnerable friends, family, and neighbours.
• Know the signs of sunburn and heat illness, including:
  • Dizziness or fainting
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Headache
  • Rapid breathing or heartbeat
  • Extreme thirst
  • Dark yellow urine
  • Behaviour changes in children
  • Muscle cramps, especially in arms, legs, or stomach

Heat Stroke is a Medical Emergency

Call 911 or your local emergency number if someone shows signs of:

• Heat illness (as above)
• Unconsciousness or confusion
• No longer sweating despite the heat

After a Heat Wave

• Open windows and blinds to let fresh air circulate.
• Check in with neighbours, friends, and family—especially those at higher risk.
• Continue drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated.

Learn More: Visit www.redcross.ca/heat for more resources, safety tips, and preparedness tools.