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Extreme heat
Heat waves pose risks to human health. Learn about the measures to take to ensure that you and your loved ones stay protected.
Understanding periods of intense heat
Environment Canada uses precise meteorological criteria to define heat levels and issue the applicable alerts.
Extreme heat
- Temperature at or above 32°C for three consecutive days, not including the humidex, and temperature at or above.
- 20°C for three consecutive nights
- Temperature at or above 25°C for two consecutive nights.
Aggravating factors
The following factors intensify heat effects:
- High humidity
- Little or no wind
- Lack of indoor air circulation
Any combination of these conditions makes the heat more difficult to endure and increases the associated health risks.
How to prepare for a heat wave
To protect your home:
- Install an air conditioner or use fans.
- Close the blinds and curtains during the day.
- Open the blinds and curtains at night to let in cool air.
- Encourage air flow within the home.
Other important measures:
- Check the weather forecast and air quality on a regular basis.
- Set aside enough supplies to last 72 hours (water, food, medication).
Restrictions and safety measures
During periods of intense heat, the following safety measures should be applied:
- Comply with watering restrictions to ensure that all residents have an adequate supply of water.
- Practise heightened vigilance in relation to dry vegetation in your garden and in the forest. Vegetation can become highly flammable during periods of drought.
- Open-air fires are strictly prohibited.
- View the instructions to follow in the event of a forest fire. These safety guidelines are essential.
Extreme heat notice: How to stay protected
- Drink plenty of water and don’t wait until you’re thirsty.
- Avoid alcohol, caffeine and sugary drinks.
- Spend at least two hours a day in an air-conditioned or cool space (swimming pool, shopping mall, movie theatre, library, etc.).
- Cool off regularly by showering, soaking in a cool bath or applying a damp face-cloth to your body.
- Stay protected from the sun by wearing light and light-coloured clothing and a hat.
- Practise your physical activities at the coolest times of the day (before 11 a.m.. or after 6 p.m.).
- Never leave a child or an animal unattended in a car or in a poorly ventilated room, even for a few minutes.
- Check in with your loved ones, particularly people who are living alone.
Need help ?
- In case of emergency, contact 911.
- If the heat is bothering you, contact Info-Santé at 811.
- Visit the CISSS de Laval website for:
- advice in several languages
- symptoms to monitor
- risk factors to know about.
Certain people are more sensitive to heat. The following groups are most at risk:
- Children aged 0 to 4
- People aged 65 and over living without air conditioning
- People living with a chronic disease or a mental health problem, people who take medication, or people who consume drugs or alcohol
- People living in urban heat islands without access to air conditioning
- People living alone or with a loss of autonomy
- People with low income
People who perform demanding physical activities or people who work in very hot environments
Regularly check in on vulnerable people in your social and family circles, particularly seniors or people who are isolatedor living with a chronic disease or a mental health problem. Paying them a visit helps ensure that their health remains stable during periods of intense heat.
Where to go in Laval during extreme heat conditions
You can visit the following public places to cool off. Check their opening hours before heading out.
