How to enjoy this summer’s events without overheating

(NC) The summer is a time to enjoy life outdoors, especially outdoor events that can be the highlight of the year. But it’s also important to enjoy summer safely. 

Extreme heat poses a real health risk, and crowded outdoor events can be challenging places to stay cool and hydrated. Here are some things to keep in mind to stay safe while enjoying your summer:

Look out for heat illness

Heat illnesses can affect you quickly and are mainly caused by overexposure to heat or overexertion in the heat. It can be easy to miss the signs at an outdoor event because of all the excitement, noise and people, so it’s important to be familiar with them.

Signs and symptoms of heat illness include:

• dizziness or fainting
• nausea or vomiting
• headache
• extreme thirst
• unusually rapid breathing and heartbeat

If you experience any of these symptoms during extreme heat, immediately move to a cool place and drink water.

While waiting for help, cool the person right away by:

• Moving them to a cool place.
• Directly applying cold water to the person's skin or clothing.
• Fanning the person as much as possible.

Never leave people or pets in your care inside a parked vehicle or in direct sunlight. Even on cooler days when the outside temperatures are moderate, the temperature inside a vehicle can be dangerously hot.

How to stay cool. Drink plenty of water before you feel thirsty. Thirst isn’t a good indicator of dehydration. By the time you feel thirsty, you’re already dehydrated.

• Drink plenty of water before, during and after being physically active.
• Wear loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing made of breathable fabric.
• Increase your comfort by splashing yourself with cold water.

Before going to an event, tune in to local weather forecasts and alerts so that you know when to take extra care. Reschedule or plan outdoor activities during cooler parts of the day. Choose a cooler location, like a place with air conditioning or a spot with shade, such as from a tree.

By understanding the risks and signs of heat-related illnesses at outdoor events, you can set yourself up to enjoy them more safely this summer. Learn more at canada.ca/heat.