Ottawa Public Health: Preventing Heat Illness This Summer

Summer is here, and with it comes a season full of activities, opportunities, and experiences across Ottawa. Along with enjoying the warm weather, it’s important to plan ahead and stay safe – especially during periods of hot and humid conditions.

These conditions can happen for various reasons, including:

  • Heat waves, over a time span of more than 2 days, where the outdoor temperature will climb high during the day and not cool down enough overnight
  • Indoor spaces without a cooling strategy, because the indoor room temperature reaches uncomfortable levels and doesn’t cool off as the outdoor temperatures remain extreme
  • Outdoor events, where people are in the sun, either overworking, exercising too much, or standing, all without relief from the extreme heat

When these hot and humid conditions last for too long, everyone feels it, but how we are impacted and how we cope is different for everyone.

Why Heat is a Health Concern

As the body stays in a hot environment, more stress is put on the body’s ability to keep itself at a normal temperature. When enough heat stress is put on the body, everyone is at risk of heat-related illness, such as dehydration, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and even death. Heat stroke is a medical emergency and must be treated as such.

The good news is that heat-related illnesses are preventable.

Who is at Higher Risk?

Some people are more quickly affected by heat stress, such as:

  • Older adults (65+)
  • Young children
  • People who experience homelessness
  • People who exercise or work in hot conditions
  • People with certain medical conditions

Unfortunately, heat-related illness can sometimes be fatal. An important lesson of the 2021 Heat Dome in British Columbia is that heat-related illness can occur indoors, and homes without cooling strategies can remain very warm for days after a heat warning has ended. Research shows that indoor room temperatures of 26°C (79°F) or higher, especially over a greater period of time, can increase the risk of heat-related illness.

6 Ways to Stay Cool

Here are some simple strategies to stay cool during hot weather:

  1. Spend time in a place with a cooling strategy (e.g. air-conditioning)
  2. Visit a park with shade
  3. Go for a swim at a pool or visit a wading pool or splash pad
  4. Take a cool bath or shower
  5. Use cloths dipped in cold water as a compress on the forehead, neck, or wrists
  6. Eat or drink cold food and water

Helpful Resources to Beat the Heat

Check out these tips and resources to stay safe this summer:

  • Visit the Ottawa Public Health Extreme Heat and Humidity website for local resources:
    • An interactive map of places to cool off in Ottawa, including parks, pools, splash pads, libraries, and more
  • Download the WeatherCAN app to access forecasts, current conditions, and get directly notified of weather alerts including heat warnings. Note: WeatherCAN is an application from the Government of Canada.
  • Follow Ottawa Public Health on our social media channels, Facebook and Bluesky, for information on topics such as extreme heat and humidity. Ottawa Public Health will share heat warnings on social media. Note: Heat warnings are issued by the Government of Canada.
  • Check in with family, friends, and neighbours before, during, and after a heat wave to make sure everyone is keeping well.
  • Call for advice and support during hot weather:
    • Call 2-1-1 for social services assistance information such as locations and to access information about day programs, meals, and how to access homeless shelters. Find out more about sheltersin Ottawa.  
    • Call 3-1-1 to get assistance for someone who needs transportation to a shelter to get out of the heat.
    • Call Ottawa Public Health at 613-580-6744 for information on staying cool during a heat wave.  
    • Call 8-1-1 Health Connect Ontario for non-emergency medical advice.
    • Call 9-1-1 for any medical emergency such as heat stroke.
  • Visit the Health Canada website to see ways to protect yourself and loved ones during hot and humid conditions.

Questions to Help You Prepare This Summer

Take a moment to think about the following to prepare for hot conditions this summer:

  • Will I have access to a cooler space that I can use to find relief from hot or humid conditions?
  • Do I have a medical condition that can be impacted by heat stress?
  • Will I be working or physically active during the hottest parts of the day?
  • Will I drink enough water and get enough rest during a heat wave?
  • Is there someone who can check in on me during and after a heat wave?

This article was written by the Healthy Environments and Supportive Healthy Environments teams at Ottawa Public Health.