Sweltering heat starts the week in Greater Montreal
Montrealers are starting the week with some hot and humid weather, and Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) estimates there won't be any reprieve until Wednesday.
Maximum temperatures between 30 and 34 degrees Celsius and high humidity are expected to bring the humidex value near 40.
Nights are also expected to be warm, with overnight lows of at least 20 degrees Celsius.
'Take action to protect yourself and others – extreme heat can affect everyone's health,' ECCC stresses. 'Determine if you or others around you are at greater risk of heat illness. Check on older adults, those living alone and other at-risk people in person or on the phone multiple times a day.'
One easy way to beat the heat includes drinking water before feeling thirsty, according to the agency.
'Close blinds or shades and open windows if outside is cooler than inside,' ECCC states.'Turn on air conditioning, use a fan, or move to a cooler area of your living space. If your living space is hot, move to a cool public space, such as a cooling centre, community centre, library or shaded park.'
ECCC is also asking people to look out for the early signs of heat exhaustion, including headache, nausea, dizziness, thirst, dark urine and intense fatigue.
'Stop your activity and drink water,' it notes. 'Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Call 911 or your emergency health provider if you or someone around you is showing signs of heat stroke, which can include red and hot skin, dizziness, nausea, confusion and a change in consciousness.'
While waiting for medical attention, help the person by moving them to a cool place, removing extra clothing and applying cold water or ice packs to their body.
Heat warnings are issued when very high temperatures or humidity are expected to pose an elevated risk of heat illnesses, such as heat stroke or heat exhaustion.
Heat safety
High body temperatures can cause grave injury or lead to death.
The Quebec Health Ministry is asking people to take precautions during the hot weather:
Drink six to eight glasses of water a day before feeling thirsty;
Avoid alcoholic beverages or caffeine;
Spend at least two hours a day in an air-conditioned or cool place;
Take at least one cool shower or bath, or cool your skin with wet towels;
Limit physical activity;
Wear light clothes.
Signs of heat illness include swelling, rash, cramps, fainting, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and the worsening of some health conditions.
'Reduce your heat risk,' Environment and Climate Change Canada notes. 'Schedule outdoor activities during the coolest parts of the day.'
Anyone with health-related questions is encouraged to call Info-Santé at 811.
In case of emergency, call 911.
Child safety
Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle, even if the windows are partially open.
Do not let your children play in an unattended vehicle.
Make a habit of looking in the vehicle, front and back, before locking the door and walking away.
Make sure your childcare provider knows to call you if your child has not been dropped off at their usual time.
Always place an item (such as a purse) in the backseat so you have to open the door each time you leave the vehicle.
Keep a large stuffed animal in your child's car seat when it is not occupied. When your child is in the car, put the stuffed animal in the front passenger seat.
When you arrive at your destination, avoid any distractions, including talking on the phone or texting.
If you see a child alone in a vehicle, call the police.
If they are in distress due to the heat, get them out as quickly as possible and call 911 immediately.
Pool safety
In Quebec, one child a day arrives in an emergency room for drowning or near-drowning during the summer, according to the Montreal Children's Hospital.
In the last 30 years, the MCH trauma centre says it has seen more than 400 drownings and near-drownings.
Data show that 73 per cent of the incidents occurred in residential pools, park pools, aquatic centres and water parks.
Some ways to prevent drowning hazards:
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