Six Smart Steps for a Safer, Healthier Summer

Summer is here and we are already experiencing heat warnings and days with poor air quality. Extreme heat and outdoor air pollution can have a significant impact on a person’s health, especially those most at risk, such as seniors, individuals with underlying chronic conditions, infants and young children, people who work outdoors, individuals with limited access to resources and pregnant individuals.

Take these six steps to have a safer summer:

• Learn about and watch for signs and symptoms of heat-related illness: dizziness, headache, nausea or fainting. Heat-related illnesses are preventable by taking appropriate steps to stay cool
• Check the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) regularly: a higher AQHI number means higher health risks and a greater need to take precautions to reduce your exposure to outdoor air pollution
• Check-in on loved ones: seniors are particularly at risk during extreme heat and poor air quality, as are people with health conditions like heart or lung disease. Make sure your loved ones are taking precautions when needed
• Plan ahead and be flexible: check the forecast for heat, air quality and other weather warnings or alerts before heading outside or making plans, and modify or move your plans when necessary
• Stay cool when you’re outside: wear lightweight, light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing and stay hydrated with cool liquids, even if you are not thirsty
• Avoid wildfire smoke: smoke from forest fires can travel long distances and can impact our local air quality. If there is wildfire smoke in the forecast or an air alert has been issued for your area, reduce your exposure as much as possible

Knowing what to do can help you have a safe and enjoyable summer. Learn more at york.ca/ExtremeHeat and york.ca/OutdoorAir