Overview
Extreme heat can cause serious negative health impacts ranging from dehydration and heat exhaustion to heat stroke and possibly death.
During heat waves, buildings with no indoor cooling systems will continue to get hotter with each passing day, increasing these risks. Heat waves can also lead to water and power outages, and increase our risk of other hazards such as wildfire.
Extreme heat affects everyone, but some people are at a higher risk of health impacts, including:
- older adults
- infants and young children
- women who are pregnant
- people with pre-existing medical and mental health conditions
- outdoor workers
- people with reduced mobility
- people who live alone or are socially isolated
- people who live in high density housing with no indoor cooling
- people experiencing homelessness, or are marginally housed
- some medications also increase risk of heat illness
Know how heat affects you and take precautions to reduce your risk.
Preparing for extreme heat
Being prepared can help prevent a heat wave from turning into a heat emergency. Plan ahead to make sure you have the supplies and support you need to stay safe. Being prepared for extreme heat events can help to keep your home cool. It is important to know your options when experiencing an event.
Although individual circumstances may vary, everyone must remember to stay:
- cool
- hydrated
- informed
During an extreme heat event
Helping others
Check in on neighbours, friends and older family members, especially those who are chronically ill, socially isolated, or have mobility limitations, to make sure that they are cool and hydrated. If you have air conditioning, consider offering them a place to stay.
Call 911 if they are unconscious or need medical help.
Toolkit: Regional partners and organizations
Regional partners and organizations can use these resources to communicate to their communities about extreme heat events.
Resources and translations
Education material you can read, print and download to share online and within your community. Translated versions are also available in українською (Ukrainian), عربي (Arabic), 简体中文 (Simplified Chinese), 繁體中文 (Traditional Chinese), ਪੰਜਾਬੀ (Punjabi), Deutsch (High German), Plautdietsch (Low German), Español (Spanish), Français (French) and Tagalog (Tagalog).
- Video: How to prepare for extreme heat
- Extreme heat preparedness: Before the heat
- Extreme heat information sheet: General public
- Extreme heat information sheet: Seniors
Reports
- Strategies to manage heat: a jurisdictional scan Alberta Health
- Extreme Heat Adaptation Strategy Rapid Review IHE
Related
- Tips for heat checks during extreme heat events
- Emergency preparedness
- Working in extreme temperatures
- Health and safety advisories
- Weather Alerts
- Alberta Health Services’ Heat Warning Information
- Alberta Environmental Public Health Information Network – Heat Warning
- Alberta Electric System Operator Grid Alerts (#ABElectricity)