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The Risks In Ontario, we are fortunate to have a moderate climate compared to many other areas of Canada and the world. Tourists visit our region year-round to take advantage of a full range of outdoor recreational activities. However, there are times in the summer and winter when our area experiences periods of extreme temperatures. Prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures, either during summer heat waves or winter cold spells, can pose a serious health risk. Be Prepared
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Extreme Heat: Humidity, Heat Cramps, Heat Exhaustion, and Heat Stroke
Extreme Cold: Wind Chill, Frost Bite and Hypothermia
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Extreme Heat
The Weather Network defines a heat wave as three or more consecutive days with temperatures of 32 degrees Celsius or more. High temperatures are made worse if they are accompanied by high humidity levels and tepid nights in which the temperature does not cool significantly. High humidity, as reported by the Humidex rating in weather reports, increases the dangers associated with extreme heat. For more information about Humidex ratings, click here.
People who are at risk during periods of extreme heat:
- Infants, pre-school children, seniors, and pregnant women.
- People with chronic diseases (e.g. heart disease, respiratory conditions, diabetes, etc.)
- People taking certain types of medications (e.g. for high blood pressure, antidepressants, heart medications, etc.)
- People who do strenuous work, exercise, or play sports outdoors
- People who are already exposed to high temperatures at their workplace (e.g. people who work in foundries, bakeries, dry cleaners, etc.)
- People who are homeless
Health Risks Associated with Extreme Heat
If a person is exposed to extreme heat for an extended period of time, the body tries to adapt to keep from overheating. When an individual's body can no longer cool the body to withstand the effects of high temperatures, the person may begin to experience heat cramps. If steps are not taken to cool the body, the person may progress to more serious condition of heat exhaustion, or even continue on to suffer a heat stroke.
Heat Cramps
These are painful spasms, usually in the leg and stomach muscles, that are usually accompanied by heavy sweating. Cramps can be alleviated by moving the person to a cooler place and then lightly massaging or stretching the affected muscles. People experiencing heat cramps should also sip a half glass of cool water every 15 minutes.
Heat Exhaustion
A primary sign of heat exhaustion is heavy sweating; however your skin may be cool, pale or flushed. Other symptoms of heat exhaustion are a weak pulse, fainting, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, exhaustion, and headaches. Body temperature becomes elevated.
Heat Stroke (also called Sun Stroke)
This is a severe medical emergency which, if not treated, can result in death. Core body temperature rises much higher than normal. Breathing is shallow and rapid and pulse rate increases. Symptoms may include: a throbbing headache; dizziness; nausea; confusion; skin that is red as well as hot and dry. A person may become confused and disoriented or even lose consciousness. A person with heat stroke requires medical treatment immediately - call 911. Keep the person out of the sun and try to cool him/her by sponging or bathing them with room temperature water. Provide small sips of room temperature water (not ice, or ice-cold water).
Reducing Your Risk during Extreme Heat
- Minimize your time outdoors. If you must be outdoors limit your time to mornings and evenings.
- Stay in the shade as much as possible.
- Wear light, loose clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses.
- Use fans to circulate air in your home.
- Cover windows that face the sun with drapes or shades to reduce the amount of heat that enters your home.
- Stay indoors. If air conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest floor and out of the sun.
- Eat well balanced, light, and regular meals.
- Most importantly, drink plenty of water even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid caffeine and alcohol which hasten dehydration.
Extreme Cold
Extreme cold occurs when winter temperatures drop significantly below average for the season. High winds produce a "wind chill" effect which increases the dangers of extremely cold temperatures. For more information about wind chill click here. Cold temperatures become even more dangerous if a person and their clothing become wet.
Groups who are more vulnerable to the effects of extreme cold include:
- Infants and children
- Seniors
- The homeless.
- People who work outdoors or participate in outdoor winter sports.
Anyone can be at risk if the heating system in your home is not working for a period of time due to a power outage.
Health Risks Associated with Extreme Cold
Frost bite
Signs and symptoms include: white or greyish patches of skin; skin that feels unusually firm or waxy; numbness in the affected area.
Frost bite can occur within minutes if skin is exposed to the cold. It is a serious condition which, if not treated, can lead to permanent damage of the skin or even amputation in serious cases. Seek first aid immediately.
Hypothermia
Signs and symptoms include: continual shivering; uncoordinated movements; slow or slurred speech; drowsiness and fatigue, exhaustion; confusion; numb hands and feet.
People exhibiting signs of hypothermia should be moved to a warm place. Get medical help immediately for this serious condition.
Minimizing Your Risk during Extreme Cold
- Stay indoors as much as possible. If your home does not have heat due to a power outage, seek warmth in public buildings (malls, libraries, community centres, etc.) or an emergency shelter.
- Drink warm fluids. Avoid caffeine and alcohol which exacerbate heat loss.
- Dress appropriately when outside. Cover exposed skin and wear multiple layers of warm clothes. Wear a hat, mitts, and appropriate footwear.
- Avoid strenuous outdoor activity and traveling when extreme cold is in the forecast.
- Have an alternate source of heat in your home in case your primary source fails. Ensure the alternate source is approved for indoor use is not a fire hazard. A generator should never be used indoors. Ensure your home emergency kit includes warm blankets and/or sleeping bags for each member of your family.
- In your car emergency kit, include blankets and warm, brightly coloured clothing. Blankets will help to keep you warm and brightly coloured clothing will help other drivers or rescuers to see you.
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