Do your summer plans include heat safety?

(NC) Extreme heat events, or heat waves, pose serious health risks. If you aren’t prepared, your risk of heat-related illness goes up. These illnesses can affect you quickly and lead to long-term health problems and even death.

Here are some ways you can prepare for the heat before it arrives:

Know your risks

Hot temperatures can be dangerous, especially if you have:

• breathing difficulties
• heart problems
• hypertension
• kidney problems
• a mental illness
• Parkinson's disease

If you are taking medication or have a health condition, ask your doctor or pharmacist if it increases your health risk in the heat and follow their recommendations.

Be heat ready

Make it a habit to tune in to local weather forecasts and alerts so you know when to take extra care.

Find ways to keep cool before the hot weather starts. If you have an air conditioner, make sure it works properly before the hot weather starts. Otherwise, find an air-conditioned spot close by, where you can cool off during hot days. This will help you cope with the heat better.

Have a summer wardrobe ready. This includes loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing made of breathable fabric. Shade yourself by wearing a wide-brimmed, breathable hat or using an umbrella. When you buy sunglasses, make sure they provide protection against both UVA and UVB rays.

Have check-in plans in place. Arrange for regular visits from family members, neighbours or friends during very hot days in case you need help. Visitors can help identify signs of heat illness that could be missed over the phone.

Make an emergency plan for your household. Make a household emergency plan that considers ways to prepare for extreme heat. Some elements to include in your plan:

• Keep your gas tank filled or car charged in case you need to get somewhere cool quickly.
• Locations with cooled indoor spaces near your home like a shopping mall, grocery store or public library.

Having a plan in place before an extreme heat event can help keep your family protected. Learn more at canada.ca/heat.