Ways To Stay Cool

WINNIPEG - The province is warning people of an extended period of hot weather in the forecast for Manitoba, with much of the province still impacted by a heat wave that has moved in from the west.

Winnipeg will see a high of 36 on Saturday, 38 with the Humidex, and nighttime temperatures will only go down to 24. Manitobans are being advised to be prepared and plan for the conditions.

The health effects of heat and the risk of heat illness can be reduced by:

- taking a cool shower or bath;

- limiting alcohol consumption;

- planning outdoor activities during cooler times of the day;

- drinking plenty of liquids, especially water, before you feel thirsty;

- wearing loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing and a wide-brimmed hat;

- blocking sun out by closing awnings, curtains or blinds during the day;

- avoiding sun exposure and considering cancelling or rescheduling outdoor activities; and

- going to a cool place such as a mall, community centre, public library or place of worship, after checking the hours these sites are open under COVID-19 restrictions.

If you have many of these symptoms, your body may be overheating, and at risk of heat illness or heat stroke:

- red, hot and dry skin;

- rapid weak pulse;

- headache;

- dizziness;

- confusion;

- nausea; and

- a complete or partial loss of consciousness.

If these symptoms occur, immediately move to a cool place and drink water. If someone has a high body temperature, is unconscious, or is confused, call for help, and cool the person right away by moving them to a cool place, applying cold water to large areas of the skin or clothing, and fanning them as much as possible.

Public health orders allow for municipalities to repurpose facilities such as libraries and community centres as cooling centres for vulnerable people who may not otherwise have means to cool off during heat waves. Outdoor pools, splash pads, and wading pools are also operational right now.

You can access info on heat and health on the Manitoba Health website or by calling Health Links toll-free at 1-888-315-9257.