• Drink lots of cool water even before you feel thirsty
• Go to an air conditioned place such as a shopping mall, library or community centre
• Wear loose light coloured breathable clothing and when outdoors wear a wide-brimmed hat
• Avoid the sun and stay in the shade or use an umbrella
• Reschedule or plan outdoor activities during the cooler parts of the day
• Take cool showers or baths or use cool wet towels to cool down
• Never leave a person or pet inside a parked car or in the direct sunlight
• Consult with your doctor or pharmacist on medications that increase your risk to heat
• Call or visit at-risk family, friends or neighbours (especially seniors living alone) to make sure they are drinking plenty of fluids and keeping cool

In summer, apartments can get hotter, and stay hotter longer, than the air outside. Make a plan to keep your home cool:

• Keep blinds or drapes closed to block out the sun during the day
• Make meals that don’t use an oven, especially if you don’t have air conditioning
• Unplug electronics and turn off lights when not in use
• Use fans properly:
• Place fans in or next to a window to bring in the cooler air from outside
• Place a bowl of ice in front of fans to cool air
• Do not use fans when the temperature in a room is 34 degrees Celsius or higher. This is especially a concern for older adults and people taking certain medications since their ability to sweat is decreased. A large block of ice can be placed in front of the fan to cool the air….