Extreme Heat

Protect Yourself during Heat Waves
- STAY HYDRATED: Drink plenty of fluids (e.g., water, juice diluted with water, sports drinks without caffeine) without waiting to feel thirsty or as recommended by a doctor.
- KEEP COOL: Spend at least 2 hours a day somewhere cool (ideally with air-conditioning).
- LIMIT PHYSICAL ACTIVITY: From 10 a.m. until the evening, avoid strenuous physical activity outdoors.
Recommended Cool Places
There are many cool places available:
- shopping centres
- cinemas
- libraries
- other air-conditioned places.
At-Risk Areas
Certain environmental features increase heat-related health risks. For example, urban areas with a significant amount of asphalted surfaces, certain types of buildings, and scant vegetation can create what is known as the "urban heat-island effect." Heat islands can be up to 12°C hotter than other areas in the same region. There is a high concentration of urban heat islands in the various municipalities in Estrie.
If you live in an urban heat island, you are at greater risk of having heat-related issues.
Locating Heat Islands in Estrie (French)
Chaleur extrême et COVID-19
Dans le contexte de pandémie, l'isolement est requis pour certaines personnes, notamment celles ayant la COVID-19 (https://www.quebec.ca/sante/problemes-de-sante/a-z/coronavirus-2019/isolement/quand-faut-il-sisoler).
Exceptionnellement, lorsque l'étape d'alerte ou de mobilisation du plan d'action régional CHALEUR est atteinte, une personne en isolement en raison de la COVID-19 peut sortir à l'extérieur pour avoir un répit dans un endroit plus frais si la température intérieure du domicile devient trop élevée et que les mesures recommandées pour se rafraichir ne suffisent pas.
Elle peut donc :
- Fréquenter une cour même si elle est partagée;
- Sortir de la cour pour trouver un endroit ombragé (ex. : au parc).
Useful Links
- Adults and elderly people: It's Really Hot!
- Infants and babies: It's Really Hot!
- Athletes and active people: What to do when performing physical activity in the heat
- Workers: Beware of heatstroke! (French)
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