How to stay cool during B.C.'s heatwave: Health Canada
Vancouver Island residents are being warned of an upcoming heatwave that could push temperatures into the high 30s this weekend.
With temperatures already on the rise, Health Canada has several tips on how to stay cool during the record-breaking forecasted heatwave.
Health Canada recommends:
- Drinking lots of cool liquids, particularly water
- Wearing loose, light-coloured clothing and wide-brimmed hats
- Apply plenty of sunscreen
- Avoiding strenuous outdoor activity, and taking frequent breaks in cool areas
- Monitoring yourself and others for signs of heat-related illness, including: dizziness or fainting, nausea or vomiting, headache, rapid breathing and heartbeat, extreme thirst, decreased urination with unusually dark tallow urine, and changes of behaviour in children such as sleepiness or temper tantrums.
- If you or someone you know is experiencing any of the above symptoms while in extreme heat, Health Canada recommends calling 911 immediately. While waiting for help, it's recommended that you move into a cool place, apply cold water to large areas of skin or clothing of possible, and fan the individual.
To prepare your home for heat, Health Canada suggest making sure that devices such as fans, ceiling fans and air conditions are working. If it is safe to do so, you can also leave your windows open overnight to let cooler air in.
Health Canada also recommends that you have friends, neighbours, or family members check in on you in case you need help.
People who are most at risk of suffering from a heat-related illnesses are people aged 65 or older, infants and children, and people who perform physical work outdoors, according to the health agency.
"Give your body time to recover after being in the heat," says Health Canada. Meanwhile WorkSafeBC is reminding employers to make sure there are procedures in place at work sites during hot conditions.
"In the last three years, there have been almost 100 accepted claims for work-related injuries caused by heat stress — and these are preventable injuries," said Barry Nakahara, senior manager of prevention field services at WorkSafeBC in a statement Wednesday.
"We’re reminding workers and employers to take steps to prevent heat stress. This includes reducing exposure to the sun wherever possible, drinking lots of water, wearing the right clothes, and taking rest breaks in cool, well-ventilated areas," he said.
Heat warnings are in effect for most of B.C.'s coast, including Greater Victoria to Nanaimo, Courtenay, Campbell River, the southern Gulf Islands and inland Vancouver Island communities.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Iran fires air defence batteries in provinces as sound of explosions heard near Isfahan
Iran fired air defence batteries early Friday morning after reports of explosions near the city of Isfahan, the state-run IRNA news agency reported.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.