Another scorcher is on the way as humidex reaches 40 C Friday
Tips to keep cool with heat warning in effect for city
The Saskatchewan Health Authority is reminding the public to take precautions against the heat wave hitting the province, which started Friday.
Regina is under a heat warning with the humidex making it feel like more than 40 C on Friday.
Environment Canada was calling for a high of 35 C on Friday and 31 C on Saturday before factoring in the humidity. Overnights lows were expected to remain above 16 C.
According to Environment Canada, a heat warning is issued when there are two or more consecutive days of daytime temperatures expected to reach 29 C or warmer.
The forecast is for cooler temperatures beginning Saturday night when a cold front moves into the area. Even then, daytime highs are expected to be 27 C, 30 C and 30 C for Sunday, Monday and Tuesday respectively.
Risks during high temperatures are greater for young children, pregnant women, older adults, people with chronic illnesses and people working or exercising outdoors.
Signs of heat illness include swelling, rash, cramps, fainting, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and the worsening of some health conditions.
Residents are advised to drink plenty of water even before feeling thirsty and stay in a cool place and avoid outside activities during the hottest periods of the day.
Check on older family, friends and neighbours and don’t leave children or pets in hot cars.
“During a heat wave, people really need to take extra care to ensure that they are keeping themselves and those around them as comfortable and as cool as possible in order to prevent any heat-related illness,” Saskatchewan Health Authority’s (SHA) senior medical health officer Dr. Julie Kryzanowski said in a release issued Friday. “It is especially important for babies, young children, the elderly and anyone who is ill or has chronic health conditions to stay out of the heat.”
Heat-related illnesses include heat rash (prickly heat), heat cramps, heat edema (swelling), heat syncope (fainting), heat exhaustion (heat prostration) and heatstroke (sunstroke).
The SHA advises to call 911 or seek immediate medical assistance if you have been exposed to a hot environment and experience any of the following symptoms:
Unconsciousness for longer than a few seconds;
Seizures;
Difficulty breathing; Confusion, severe restlessness or anxiety;
Hot, dry, flushed skin with no sweating (classic heatstroke) or with a lot of sweating (exertional heatstroke);
Severe vomiting and diarrhea. SHA has some tips to avoid becoming ill during periods of extreme heat:
STAY OUT OF THE HEAT
Keep out of the sun during the peak hours of 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., if possible. If you need to be outside, wear sunblock, a hat, sunglasses and light, loose-fitting cotton clothes.
Avoid any extreme physical exertion and keep in the shade whenever possible.
If you don’t have air conditioning at home, know where to go to cool down. Public spaces that are airconditioned include malls, leisure centres and libraries.
COOL YOURSELF DOWN
Stay hydrated with cold water and cold drinks and avoid excess alcohol, caffeine and hot drinks. Eat cold foods like salad and fruit with a high water content and take cool baths or showers.
KEEP YOUR PLACE COOL
This is especially important for infants, the elderly and those with chronic health conditions or those who can’t look after themselves (including pets).
Keep windows that are exposed to the sun closed during the day and open windows at night when the temperature has dropped.
LOOK OUT FOR OTHERS
Keep an eye on isolated, elderly, ill or young people and make sure they are able to keep cool.
Ensure babies, children, elderly people and pets are not left alone in stationary vehicles.
Check on elderly or sick neighbours, family or friends every day during a heat wave.
Call HealthLine at 811 or consult your health-care professional if you feel unusual symptoms or if symptoms persist.