Hot Weather Safety Tips and City of Toronto Free Air Conditioner Pilot Program for 65+
Heat-related illnesses contribute significantly to the number of serious health complications and fatalities among older adults, both in North America and globally. Chronic medical conditions, medications and lack of cooling devices significantly contribute to this. We believe this is avoidable and having a working air conditioner can be life saving - read below for the City of Toronto Pilot Program to provide Free portable air conditioners.
The rest of this article serves as a reminder of some common hot weather practices and tips!
The Signs of Heat-Related Illness
According to the Canadian Red Cross, these are the key signs to look out for:
Dizziness or fainting
Nausea or vomiting
Rapid breathing and heartbeat
Extreme thirst
Decreased urination with unusually dark yellow urine
Some of these signs may indicate a heat stroke, a medical emergency; in such cases, keep emergency contacts handy and call 9-1-1 if symptoms become severe.
6 Tips to Stay Safe and Prevent Heat-Related Illnesses
Drink plenty of water: carry a water bottle with you and bring a frozen water bottle or a spray bottle to spray on your body if it gets too hot. Avoid caffeine and alcohol.
Stay indoors during peak heat hours (typically around the hours of 10 AM – 4 PM) when the sun is at its strongest.
Use air conditioning or fans to keep your home cool. If you have air conditioning, ensure it is functional before the hot weather begins. If you don’t have air conditioning, visit a community center, mall, or public library to stay cool, especially during heat waves.
Use sun protective UV clothing if applying full body sunscreen is a barrier for you or your loved one. They are available in different styles from different retailers, such as Amazon and Uniqlo, and can block up to 90% of UV rays.
A hat is a must. That is all we will say here.
Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30+ to protect your skin from sunburn and damage. Remember, however, that sunscreen protects you from the sun's UV rays, but not from the heat.
The City of Toronto Free Air Conditioner Program - Deadline to Apply is June 6
This summer the City is piloting a program to provide free portable air conditioners to some low-income seniors with health-related needs for air conditioning. This initiative aligns with climate change resilience efforts and complements existing supports, such as the City’s Hardship Fund.
To Learn More visit the Program Link Here.
If you are spending your summer in the city, check out the Carebee Rolodex, where you will find plenty of ideas for activities, sports clubs, hobby programs and more. Visit www.carebee.ca. The member's registration process is easy and FREE.
Happy Summer!
Bzzz,
Team Carebee
Resources used for this blog: Government of Canada (source); National Institute on Aging (source 1, source 2); American Geriatrics Society’s Health in Aging Foundation (source); CDC (source); Brown University Health (source)
