The Haldimand Norfolk Health Unit recommends the following steps to be taken to prevent heat related illness:
During an Extreme Heat Alert
Follow Heat Alert Guidelines AND
- Consider cancelling outdoor activity and keeping children indoors. If at all possible, stay in an air-conditioned place or go to the shopping mall, library, recreational facilities or heat-relief shelters.
During a Heat Alert
- Keep children cool
- Keep children hydrated
- Monitor children closely
Follow the General Guidelines AND
- Activate policies and plans to deal with extreme temperatures.
- Suspend all outdoor activity if possible, or limit time spent outdoors. Where possible keep children in an air-conditioned place.
- Check frequently on children and monitor those in wheelchairs more closely.
- Keep children well hydrated by giving water and diluted fruit juices frequently.
- Provide parents with information on how to keep children cool and provide the Region of Peel’s website for additional information.
- Establish a policy and plan to deal with extreme temperatures.
- Keep children cool and if at all possible, stay in an air-conditioned place.
- Limit time outdoors between 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. when temperatures and UV radiation are most intense. Offer regularly scheduled rest periods.
- When outdoors, stay in the shade whenever possible (natural or artificial structures).
- When in the sun cover up. Ensure children wear a wide brimmed hat, UV protective sunglasses, and light and loose fitting clothing.
- Be sure children are well hydrated. Plain water is the liquid of choice; diluted fruit juice is okay.
- Check regularly on infants and young children to be sure they stay cool and hydrated.
- Sunscreens/insect repellent are not recommended for infants under six months of age. Keep babies under one year of age out of direct sunlight.
- Apply sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) 20-30 minutes before going outside to ensure absorption.
- When using DEET insect repellent, apply 20-30 minutes after sunscreen has been applied.
- NEVER leave children in a closed parked vehicle.
- Monitor children with disabilities and check the heat on metal and vinyl parts of wheelchairs.
- Check heat of metal slides, monkey bars etc. in playground areas.
- Staff should role model appropriate heat and sun safety behaviours for children.
- Staff should be aware of signs and symptoms of heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. Follow first aid procedures promptly.
Adapted with permission from Peel Public Health.