IH and SPCA provide tips on staying safe in extreme heat

MERRITT – With temperatures in Merritt expected to hit the mid-40s today and tomorrow, residents are being reminded to keep themselves and their pets safe.

Excessive heat exposure can lead to weakness, disorientation and exhaustion. In severe cases, it can also lead to heat stroke, also known as sunstroke. Heat stroke can be a life-threatening medical emergency.

Anyone can suffer from heat-related illness, but some people are at greater risk, such as infants and young children, people 65 and older, people with heart problems or breathing difficulties, and people who exercise or work outside.

Symptoms of heat-related illness include:

• Pale, cool, moist skin
• Heavy sweating
• Muscle cramps
• Rash
• Swelling, especially hands and feet
• Fatigue and weakness
• Light-headedness and/or fainting
• Headache
• Nausea and/or vomiting

More severe symptoms – high fever, hallucinations, seizures and unconsciousness – require urgent medical attention. Residents are encouraged to call 911, move to a cool place and cool the person with water and fanning.

To avoid heat-related illness, residents can plan outdoor activities outside of 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. to avoid the most intense sun, drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids, apply sunscreen and stay shaded.

Those who must work or exercise outside can drink two to four cups of water each hour and take rest breaks in the shade.

Anyone struggling to keep cool is encouraged to move to an air-conditioned building or take a cool bath or shower. Interior Health said fans may not be able to prevent heat-related illness at temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius.

Interior Health added that children and pets should never be left alone in a parked car. Temperatures can rise to 52 degrees Celsius within 20 minutes inside a vehicle when the outside temperature is 34 degrees. Leaving the car windows slightly open will not keep the inside of the vehicle at a safe temperature.

For pets

Owners who regularly jog or bike with their dogs are asked to be mindful when they’re doing it.

BCSPCA recommends owners to exercise with their dogs earlier in the morning or later in the evening, to reduce the chances of their dog getting heat stroke or burnt feet.

When hiking, camping or going to the beach, owners should bring along a water bowl and water for their pet, as well as an umbrella for shade, along with using a towel to both dry off their pet and give them a place to lie down that’s not scorching hot.

Methods to cool down pets include filling a kiddie pool with water. freezing their favourite food or treats, such as Kongs or ice cubes with chicken broth.