‘Make smart choices’ during heat wave, says Montreal public health

‘Make smart choices’ during heat wave, says Montreal public health

The Greater Montreal area is on the cusp of its first heat wave of the season, and Montreal public health is requesting that people make “smart choices” to stay safe.

“It’s not the time to start training for a half marathon,” noted Dr. David Kaiser, deputy medical director of Montreal public health.

He stressed that people should make a point to stay hydrated - but avoid drinking alcohol - and spend as much time inside as possible.

• Your hourly and 7-day forecast on our CTVNewsMontreal.ca weather hub

According to public health, this particular heat wave does not “meet the criteria” to engage the highest level of its emergency heat plan.

“Unless there’s a change in the temperature projection for the next couple of days, we won’t hit that three days at 33 degrees [Celsius],” said Kaiser. “We’ll probably be at an average of 31, 32 [degrees Celsius], somewhere in there.”

He explained that at this stage, the main focus is on door-to-door intervention.

“We have identified specific buildings, neighbourhoods, types of areas where we want there to be door-to-door when we’re in a heat wave,” said Kaiser. “We know that’s where we have the most help in identifying people that may need help.”

Officials are also encouraging Montrealers to consider the people in their lives who may need extra help — young children, the elderly, vulnerable people or anyone who doesn’t have air conditioning at home.

“We know those people are going to be at risk after a couple of days of this type of heat,” Kaiser said.

Moving day

For Montrealers preparing for Moving Day on Wednesday, Kaiser advised starting early in the morning or delaying activities until later in the afternoon, if possible.

“There’s really no magic solution to moving day, looking at a 40-degree humidex,” said Kaiser. “But there are some measures to at least avoid the most important exposure, which will be in the middle of the day.”

Other tips include taking regular breaks every 15 to 20 minutes, drinking water all day long and sticking to shady areas.

• READ MORE: Environment Canada warns of high heat and humidity for southern Quebec and Ontario

Monday, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) issued a heat warning for southern Quebec, including the Montreal area.

From Wednesday to Saturday, daytime highs are expected to be between 30 and 33 degrees Celsius, with humidex values between 40 and 44.

Additionally, nighttime lows are predicted to stay high, between 20 and 23 degrees Celsius.

Heat safety

High body temperatures can cause grave injury or lead to death.

The Quebec Health Ministry is asking people to take precautions during the hot weather:

• Drink six to eight glasses of water a day before feeling thirsty;
• Avoid alcoholic beverages or caffeine;
• Spend at least two hours a day in an air-conditioned or cool place;
• Take at least one cool shower or bath, or cool your skin with wet towels;
• Limit physical activity;
• Wear light clothes.

Signs of heat illness include swelling, rash, cramps, fainting, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and the worsening of some health conditions.

• READ MORE: Heat wave: Hot, humid weather on its way to Montreal just in time for Moving Day

“Reduce your heat risk,” ECCC notes. “Schedule outdoor activities during the coolest parts of the day.”

Anyone with health-related questions is encouraged to call Info-Santé at 811.

In case of emergency, call 911.

Child safety

• Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle, even if the windows are partially open.
• Do not let your children play in an unattended vehicle.
• Make a habit of looking in the vehicle, front and back, before locking the door and walking away.
• Make sure your childcare provider knows to call you if your child has not been dropped off at their usual time.
• Always place an item (such as a purse) in the backseat so you have to open the door each time you leave the vehicle.
• Keep a large stuffed animal in your child’s car seat when it is not occupied. When your child is in the car, put the stuffed animal in the front passenger seat.
• When you arrive at your destination, avoid any distractions, including talking on the phone or texting.
• If you see a child alone in a vehicle, call the police.
• If they are in distress due to the heat, get them out as quickly as possible and call 911 immediately.

READ MORE: Where to cool off in Montreal: every public pool, wading pool and splash pad, mapped

Pool safety

In Quebec, one child a day arrives in an emergency room for drowning or near-drowning during the summer, according to the Montreal Children’s Hospital.

In the last 30 years, the MCH trauma centre says it has seen more than 400 drownings and near-drownings.

• READ MORE: How to deal with heat exhaustion and heat stroke

Data show that 73 per cent of incidents occur in residential pools, park pools, aquatic centres and water parks.

Some ways to prevent drowning hazards:

• Constant adult supervision: undistracted and attentive surveillance of children, meaning no screens, books, chatting or drinking alcohol;
• The supervising adult should be within arm’s reach of anyone with weak swimming skills;
• Swimming lessons are encouraged;
• CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) training is recommended;
• Never swim alone, regardless of age;
• Know the swimming skill level of those around you.