Understanding Heat Warnings: Criteria, Updates, and the Role of Alertable

Locations all across Canada have dealt with increasing temperatures and have felt the effects of record-high temperatures. With the increase in temperatures come dangers for those who work outside and those indoors who lack air conditioning.

Heat warnings help safeguard public health during extreme temperature events. With rising global temperatures and more frequent heat waves, it's essential to understand what heat warnings are, the criteria Environment Canada uses to issue them, and the recent changes to the Alertable system. This blog will cover all these aspects, providing a comprehensive guide to heat warnings and how you can stay informed and safe.

What is a Heat Warning?

A heat warning is an official alert issued by Environment Canada to inform the public about forecasted extreme heat conditions that may pose health risks. Heat warnings are important for preventing heat-related illnesses and increasing protection for vulnerable populations such as children, seniors, or those who are chronically ill.

Criteria for Issuing a Heat Warning

Environment Canada uses specific criteria for issuing heat warnings. This criteria is based on temperature and humidity levels. These criteria vary by region, considering the local climate and population's acclimatization to heat. You can learn more about this criteria on the Environment Canada website. Generally, a heat warning is issued when the following conditions are expected:

• Temperature Thresholds - The temperature is forecasted to reach or exceed 30°C during the day and remain above 15°C at night for two or more consecutive days.
• Humidex Values - The humidex, which combines temperature and humidity to reflect the perceived temperature, is expected to reach or exceed 40°C for two or more consecutive days.

Variations in Heat Warning Criteria

Environment Canada tailors heat warning criteria to different regions. This takes into consideration varying climate conditions and population sensitivities. For example:

• Coastal Regions - In these areas with a cooler, maritime climate, heat warnings may be issued at lower temperature thresholds than inland regions.
• Northern Regions - In these areas, where residents are less acclimatized to heat, warnings may be triggered by lower temperature and humidex values.

Importance of Heat Warnings

Heat warnings are essential for public health and safety. High temperatures and humidity can lead to heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which can be life-threatening if not addressed promptly. Vulnerable populations, including the elderly, young children, and those with pre-existing health conditions, are particularly at risk.

Because heat warnings are for longer events, lasting days or weeks at a time, it can mean a lot of updates and reminders from Environment Canada. Unfortunately, this can lead to alert fatigue and result in people tuning out or even turning off heat warnings. Check out Alertable's resources for heat alerts for more information. 

Recent Changes to Alertable for Heat Warnings

Alertable, a vital tool for receiving real-time alerts about various emergencies, has undergone significant updates to enhance its effectiveness for heat warnings. In 2021, Environment Canada introduced new features. These features allow Alertable to only notify users of any major changes regarding heat warnings. Here’s what you need to know about these updates:

Key Features of the 2021 Update

• Major Change Notifications - Alertable now sends notifications only for significant updates to heat warnings. This means you’ll be alerted when there is a major development you need to know about, reducing the number of less critical notifications.
• User Customization - Users can customize their Alertable settings to choose the types of notifications they want to receive, ensuring they get the most relevant information without being overwhelmed by alerts.
• Access to Latest Information - Despite the focus on major changes, users can still access the latest heat warning information at any time through the Alertable app or website. This ensures you are always informed about current conditions and can take necessary precautions.

Alertable's enhancements ensure you receive timely and relevant heat warning information, allowing you to take appropriate actions to protect yourself and your community. 

How to Stay Safe During a Heat Warning

Knowing how to stay safe during a heat warning is as important as being informed about the heat alert. Here are some tips to help you and your loved ones stay cool and safe:

Stay Hydrated

• Drink Plenty of Water - Increase your water intake even if you do not feel thirsty. During extreme heat, your body loses more water than usual, and staying hydrated is crucial. Aim to drink at least 8-10 glasses of water a day. Always keep a bottle of water with you as a reminder to drink frequently.
• Avoid Dehydrating Beverages - Alcohol, caffeine, and sugary drinks can dehydrate you. Try to avoid these beverages during heatwaves. Instead, opt for water, herbal teas, or natural fruit juices.
• Electrolyte Replacement - If you are engaging in physical activity or sweating heavily, consider drinking beverages that replace electrolytes. Sports drinks can help replenish salts and minerals lost through sweat.

Stay Cool

• Seek Air-Conditioned Environments - Spend time in air-conditioned places like shopping malls, public libraries, or community centers. If you don't have air conditioning at home, plan to spend at least a few hours each day in a cool environment.
• Use Fans and Cool Cloths - Use fans to circulate air and keep the environment cool. Apply cool, damp cloths to your skin, especially on your wrists, neck, and forehead, to help lower your body temperature. Taking cool showers or baths can also provide relief from the heat.
• Close Blinds and Curtains - Keep your blinds and curtains closed during the hottest parts of the day to block out the sun and keep your home cooler. You can also use reflective window film to reduce heat gain.
• Create Cross-Ventilation - Open windows and doors to create a cross-breeze, especially in the evening when the temperature drops. This can help cool down your living space more effectively.

Limit Outdoor Activities

• Avoid Strenuous Activity - Limit physical exertion during the hottest parts of the day, typically between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. If you need to exercise or do outdoor chores, try to do them either early in the morning or late in the evening when it is cooler.
• Wear Appropriate Clothing - Dress in lightweight, loose-fitting, and light-coloured clothing. This will help your body stay cool and reflect rather than absorb the sun's rays. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses for additional protection.
• Take Breaks - If you must be outside, take frequent breaks in shaded or cool areas. Rest often to allow your body to recover and avoid overheating. Use these breaks to drink water and cool down.
• Use Sunscreen - Protect your skin from sunburn, which can hinder your body's ability to cool itself. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30, and reapply every two hours, or more often if you're sweating or swimming.

Look Out for Others

• Check on Vulnerable Individuals - Regularly check on elderly neighbors, young children, and those with chronic illnesses. Ensure they are staying cool and hydrated, have access to air conditioning or fans, and have enough water to drink.
• Never Leave Children or Pets in Vehicles - Temperatures inside a parked car can rise rapidly, posing severe risks to children and pets if left inside. Even a few minutes in a hot car can be dangerous. Always double-check that no one is left behind in the vehicle.
• Pet Safety - Ensure your pets have access to fresh water and a cool place to rest. Avoid walking your dog during the hottest parts of the day. Instead, take them for walks early in the morning or late in the evening. Be mindful of hot pavement that can burn their paws.

Understanding Heat-Related Illnesses During a Heat Warning

Recognizing the symptoms of heat-related illnesses is crucial for prompt treatment and prevention and you should be on the lookout for these when a heat warning has been published. Here’s what to look out for:

Heat Exhaustion

• Symptoms - Heavy sweating, weakness, cold and clammy skin, fast and weak pulse, nausea or vomiting, fainting.
• Treatment - Move to a cooler location, drink water, take a cool shower, or use cold compresses.

Heat Stroke

• Symptoms - High body temperature (above 39.4°C), hot and dry skin, rapid and strong pulse, confusion, unconsciousness.
• Treatment - Call emergency services immediately. Move the person to a cooler environment, use a cool cloth or a bath to lower body temperature, and do not give fluids.

Additional Safety Measures During a Heat Warning

Additional things you can do to stay safe during a heat wave include planning ahead and staying informed. 

Plan Ahead

• Stock Up on Supplies - Make sure you have enough water, food, and medications to last through a heatwave. Plan meals that don’t require using the oven or stove, which can add heat to your home.
• Create an Emergency Kit - Include extra water, electrolyte drinks, cooling packs, a battery-operated fan, and a first aid kit. This can be particularly useful if there are power outages due to increased energy demand during heatwaves

Stay Informed

• Monitor Weather Reports - Watch weather forecasts and heat warnings issued by Environment Canada. This will help you stay prepared and make informed decisions about your activities.
• Use Alertable - Customize your Alertable settings to receive major updates about heat warnings. This will ensure you are informed about critical changes without being overwhelmed by notifications.

Following these tips helps minimize the risk of heat-related illnesses and ensures that you and your loved ones stay safe during heat warnings. Remember, preparation and awareness are key to handling extreme heat effectively. Stay cool, stay hydrated, and stay informed.

Preparing for Heat Warnings

In addition to responding to heat warnings, it's important to adopt long-term strategies to better prepare for extreme heat events. Here are some measures you can take:

Home Modifications

• Improve Insulation - Ensure your home is well-insulated. This will help keep the heat out and the cool air in.
• Install Air Conditioning - Invest in air conditioning or evaporative coolers to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature.

Community Planning

• Green Spaces - Advocate for more green spaces in urban areas to provide shade and cooling effects.
• Community Centers - Support the establishment of cooling centers in your community where people can seek refuge during extreme heat events

Heat Warnings: A Vital Safety Tool

Heat warnings are a vital tool for protecting public health during extreme heat events. Heat warnings are essential in raising awareness about the risks associated with high temperatures. They also provide guidance on how to stay safe. By understanding the importance of heat warnings, following safety measures, and utilizing tools like Alertable, we can better protect ourselves and our communities from the dangers of extreme heat.  With the recent updates to Alertable, staying informed has never been easier. Remember, you can always check the latest heat warning information on Alertable, ensuring you are prepared for any major changes.

We thank Environment Canada for the great work they do in keeping us informed about hazardous weather conditions here in Canada. We hope these new changes to Alertable will improve how longer-duration events like extreme heat are communicated. Visit our website to explore various Alertable resources that can help enhance the preparedness of your community.

Stay cool, stay hydrated, and stay safe.