Island Health is warning people to stay cool in the heat wave Vancouver Island is currently experiencing.
Health officer Dee Hoyano said staying inside during the hottest times of the day is key to staying safe.
“The main thing is to avoid the full extent of the heat by staying inside, particularly at midday,” Hoyano said. “Also having lots of access to water, and wearing protection, wearing a hat or staying in the shade if you are outdoors to avoid getting overheated.”
Some symptoms to watch for include pale, cool, moist skin; heavy sweating; muscle cramps; a rash; and swelling in your hands and feet.
If you experience these symptoms, Hoyano recommends that you seek a cool space, drink water, and apply a cool compress.
Hoyano said some people might not be able to recognise the signs of heat exhaustion in themselves, so you may need to keep an eye on them.
“Check in with them and see how they’re doing,” Hoyano said. “Remind them that they either need to drink some water and come in out of the heat. If they’re outside, for example children playing outside in the sun, just redirect them to cool off or go inside for some time.”