Be protected
Seek medical attention if you experience symptoms that are out of the ordinary: heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, faintness, fatigue, dizziness, headache or nausea.
Overview
The effects of climate change pose risks to the health of Canadians and New Brunswickers. As climate change increases, it is expected that extreme heat events will become more frequent even here in New Brunswick. Experience from around the world has shown that extreme heat events can have lethal consequences.
People most vulnerable and at risk to health effects related to extreme heat are:
- Young children and older adults
- The homeless and socially isolated
- People with chronic health conditions
- People using certain medications (PDF 768 KB)
Heat alert advisories for the various cities and regions will be issued on the Government of NB account, @Gov_NB, and the provincial government’s Facebook page.
Heat alert levels
Level 1
When a Heat Alert (Level 1) is issued, certain vulnerable persons may be affected. The main cause of illness and death during a heat wave is the aggravation of pre-existing respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
Level 2
When a High Heat Alert (Level 2) is called, everyone is at increased risk of heat stress and heat stroke under the conditions.
People living alone without air conditioning are at high risk especially if the heat wave lasts many days.
Check regularly on your neighbours and relatives to make sure they are not in danger.
Organizers of sport and recreational activities should build in regular water breaks and rest or consider rescheduling activities.
Level 3
During an Extreme Heat Alert (Level 3) everyone is at high risk for heat related illnesses and heat stroke.
People living alone without air conditioning are at extreme risk.
Check regularly on your neighbours and relatives to make sure they are not in danger. Organizers of sport and recreational activities should reschedule activities.
Symptoms
Symptoms of heat stress may include:
- headache
- dizziness or faintness
- muscle cramps
- nausea or vomiting
- rapid breathing and heartbeat
- dry mouth (extreme thirst)
If you or someone else is experiencing any of these symptoms immediately try to cool down by doing any of the followings:
- move to a cooler location
- drink plenty of cool fluids, especially water
- splash cool water on your face and back of neck
- remove unnecessary clothing
- sprinkle clothing with water
- use air conditioning if available
- take a cool bath or shower
Do NOT drink alcohol or caffeinated drinks (such as pop, tea, coffee) as this will dehydrate you. If the symptoms persist, seek medical attention.
Identifying and preventing heat-related illnesses
Symptoms of heat-related illnesses and when to seek medical attention.
How to prevent heat illness
New Brunswickers are reminded to take the following actions to prevent heat illness during any level of heat alert:
- Drink plenty of cool fluids, especially water, before feeling thirsty.
- Wear lightweight, loose-fitting and light-coloured clothing.
- Keep the sun out with curtains or blinds.
- Plan outdoor activities around cooler parts of the day.
- Avoid exposure to the sun.
- Never leave someone or a pet in your care inside a parked car.
- Spend a few hours in a cool place or in an air-conditioned location (i.e. a mall, library, church, shaded park or at a pool) or find a shaded area.
- Avoid using the stove for cooking a meal.
- Take cool showers or baths until refreshed. Use your air conditioner if you have one.
- Make arrangements to spend time or sleep in a cooler place.
- Spray or mist clothing with water.
- Splash cool water on your face and back of neck.
Medications and the heat
If you are taking any of the medications listed, you are at greater risk for heat-related illnesses.
Community care workers and volunteers during extreme heat
During extreme heat, clients who are bedridden or have reduced ability to care for themselves are at greatest risk for heat-related illnesses and death.
WorkSafe: Heat and cold stress
Employees exposed to temperature extremes may be at risk of hot or cold stress, which can cause significant health hazards.
Health Canada
Information about extreme heat and human health
Environment Canada
Weather conditions and forecast by location