Extreme Heat

The following people are at greater risk of developing complications if exposed to heat:

• babies and children under 5;
• the elderly
• people with reduced autonomy or who live alone;
  • people with reduced mobility;
  • people who have limited contact with their friends and family; 
• people with chronic illnesses or serious mental health problems;
• people with alcohol or drug abuse problems; 
• people who work in physically demanding jobs or in the sun or outdoors; for example, construction and agricultural workers;
• people who work in environments where work processes generate heat, such as foundries or bakeries;
• people who exercise intensely outdoors in hot weather, or indoors in non-air-conditioned or poorly ventilated premises;
• people who do not have access to cool or air-conditioned areas;
• people taking certain prescription medications that may aggravate the effects of heat;
• people in poor physical condition or who are overweight;
• people who are ill with fever;
• pregnant women and their fetuses.

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.

Locate heat islands in Estrie. Vulnerable areas are identified in two sources:

• On an interactive map (new!)
• On the mapping of the vulnerability and exposure to extreme heat waves 

Recent evidence shows that maintaining an indoor temperature of 31 °C or more is dangerous for elderly persons, those with chronic diseases, and those with significant mental health disorders.
 
How do you lower indoor temperature? 

In preparation for a heat wave: 

• Install thermal curtains, roller shutters, or solar window films to block heat and sunlight. 

 
During a heat wave: 

• Keep curtains and blinds shut from 10 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. to block sunlight.
• Keep windows closed from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. to trap cool air inside.
• Open the windows at 8:00 p.m. to allow cool air to flow in, and use fans to circulate the air indoors.

 
Is a fan effective at helping you cool down? 

When the indoor temperature is very elevated, for an elderly person, a fan will be only minimally effective at lowering body temperature and at preventing heat-related health problems. It is recommended not to use fans as the main method to cool down when indoor temperatures are constantly at 31°C or above. 
 
What if it’s too hot in my home?

• Use a digital thermometer inside your home to identify its coolest rooms (< 31°C). 
• If there are no sufficiently cool rooms in your home, identify a place where you can go (e.g., to the home of a loved one) during the heat wave, especially if you are aged 65 or older or have a chronic disease or have a major mental health disorder.