Temperatures over the next week are going to be in the high 30’s! Or in the old Fahrenheit, over 100 degrees on Sunday and Monday. Please take precautions. Find the cool places in your neighbourhood. Check on people who you think may need assistance. Reach out for help if you need assistance.
Environment Canada issues heat warnings, says record-high temperatures loom for B.C.
Dr. Emily Newhouse, medical health officer for Fraser Health, encouraged people to self-monitor for heat-related illness, as well as check on family, friends and neighbours.
Symptoms can include dizziness and fainting, nausea and vomiting, rapid breathing and heartbeat, or extreme thirst, she said.
Watch out for red flags such as symptoms that aren’t improving with self-care, very hot and dry skin, loss of consciousness or confusion, she said.
“If at any of those points, someone should seek medical attention,” Newhouse said.
People who are extra-vulnerable include seniors, young children, those with chronic diseases or mental illness, the under-housed or homeless and those who work outside.
Anyone who is housebound without air conditioning and lives alone is also particularly at risk, she said.
To cool down, Newhouse suggested a cold shower, cold washcloth, misting cool water, closing blinds, going to another location that has air conditioning, hitting a swimming pool or finding shade.