Alberta Health Services
News release
NORTH ZONE – It’s the first day of summer and Alberta Health Services (AHS) is reminding Albertans to keep heat safety in mind all season long.
Though most individuals can manage moderate summer weather without symptoms, even healthy Albertans need to be vigilant about heat safety when temperatures rise.
To help you manage when the mercury rises, AHS offers simple tips for a heat-safe summer.
When temperatures are high:
. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities to cooler hours of the day.
. Take frequent breaks from heat, spending time indoors at home, or in cooled public buildings (including malls or indoor pools).
. Drink plenty of water and other non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated beverages to stay hydrated.
. Do not leave any person or pet inside a closed vehicle for any amount of time.
Even minutes of high-temperature exposure can be harmful or deadly.
. Apply a sunscreen of at least SPF 30 at least 20 minutes before heading outdoors. Be sure the product blocks both UVA and UVB rays, and reapply frequently (as directed on product label).
. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses (with a UVA/UVB CSA-certified seal).
. Wear light-coloured, long-sleeved shirts and pants, and seek shade.
. Monitor yourself and your loved ones for symptoms of heat stroke or exhaustion, including high body temperature, lack of sweat, confusion, fainting, and unconsciousness.
Seek medical attention immediately for anyone feeling faint.