REGINA — Higher temperatures and extreme summer heat throughout the province can be dangerous for people in Saskatchewan, advises the Saskatchewan Health Authority.
Exposure to extreme heat poses greater risks of harm to seniors, young children, people with chronic health conditions, people experiencing homelessness, outdoor workers, pregnant individuals and those who are socially isolated.
Heat alert response systems alert communities of heat risks through an organized communication system. This allows people to take appropriate actions to mitigate heat-related health risks, specifically for those most vulnerable.
the SHA says to take these steps to prepare yourself for the next heat wave:
- Download the free SaskAlert app, the Government of Saskatchewan's emergency public alerting program that provides critical information in real time.
- Download the free Government of Canada WeatherCAN app to be notified of heat alerts.
- Consider postponing non-essential appointments or registering for virtual care options.
- Stay hydrated and monitor indoor temperatures.
- Learn how to maintain cooler temperatures inside, including closing windows, moving to a basement level, and taking cold showers or baths.
- If you cannot cool your home, visit climate-controlled locations in the community, including shopping malls, public libraries, community centres, municipal swimming pools and splash pads, and cooling stations.
- Know the symptoms of heat-related illness , and when to seek medical care.
- Remember that some medications may increase health risks from extreme heat – Health Canada Fact Sheet.
Wildfire Smoke
Wildfires can have lasting impacts on Saskatchewan communities. Hotter weather brings an increased threat of wildfires and smoke. Wildfire smoke carries harmful particles which travel deep into the lungs, causing irritation and harmful respiratory conditions. When there is a concentration of these dangerous particles, smaller than the width of a hair, they increase the risk of irregular heartbeat, heart attack and stroke. People with high risk of cardiovascular disease should exercise caution during poor air quality conditions and consult their health-care provider if symptoms arise.
Individuals at highest risk of wildfire smoke-related health impacts include people with asthma and other respiratory illnesses, people with cardiovascular disease, children under 18 years of age, pregnant people, older adults and people who work primarily outdoors.
Reduce your risks from wildfire smoke by:
- Checking your community’s air quality data at Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) .
- If the AQHI is high, stay indoors and reduce outside activities, especially high-intensity exercise.
- Update care plans for lung and heart health conditions.
- Use portable air cleaners equipped with HEPA filters to help improve indoor air quality.
If you must be outside, a well-fitted and properly worn respirator such as the N95 mask can reduce smoke inhalation risks but it may not be appropriate for everyone. Properly worn three-layer masks may offer a small benefit, but bandanas, cloth masks, and clothing do not reduce the health risks from smoke inhalation.
If high temperatures and wildfire smoke occur together, keep doors and windows closed and if possible, use air conditioning units or relocate to climate-controlled community locations such as shopping malls, public libraries or community centres.
