Tips for seniors to prepare for heat

Use water to cool down

• Drink plenty of water
• Wear wet clothing or damp towels
• Put an ice pack against your neck
• Take cool baths or showers
• Place your feet in cool water

Keep your home cool and watch its temperature

• Keep windows and blinds closed during the day and open them at night
• If your home is over 31°C, go to a building with air conditioning. If you can’t, use water to cool down.
• Fans don’t cool the air, so don’t blow hot air at yourself. It can make you hotter, not cooler. Use fans to move cool air in from outside.
• Invest in an air conditioning unit or look into BC Hydro’s free air conditioner program if you are lower income

Make plans for someone to check on you

• Check-ins should be at least twice a day when it is very hot
• Make sure they have a plan or you have a plan if you cannot get in touch
• Burnaby seniors can call 236-858-3202 to register for phone call check-ins during heat waves

Learn the signs of heat exhaustion vs heat stroke

Heat exhaustion is not as dangerous as heat stroke but can lead to heat stroke. Call 8-1-1 for advice if you have symptoms.

Heat Exhaustion:

• Feeling sick/throwing up
• Headache/muscle cramps
• Rapid heart beat and breathing
• Skin rash or heavy sweating
• Take action: move to a cool space, drink water, cool skin with water

Heat Stroke

• Drowsy/fainting
• Confused
• Less coordinated
• Very hot/red skin
• Take urgent action: Call 911 or take someone to a hospital, bathe in cool water or cover with wet towels until help arrives