MEMO: All Apartment Residents – How to stay cool and safe in extreme heat

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This memo was handed out to all Apartment residents (Independent & Assisted Living) on July 30, 2021

MEMO

Date:                July 30, 2021
To:                   All Apartment Residents: Independent & Assisted Living
Re:                   How to stay cool and safe in extreme heat
________________________________________________________________________

Dear Residents,

We recently went through a major heatwave in British Columbia, and some higher temperatures are beginning again. We wanted to take a moment and remind residents how to stay safe and cool during these hot days.

How to keep your body cool and comfortable:

  • Drink lots of fluids (Top #1 tip to keep cool)
  • Stay in a cool space (Top #2 tip to keep cool)
  • Wet a facecloth or hand towel with cold water and put it on the back of your neck.
  • Dress appropriately – loose fitting, light colored and breathable
  • Pay attention to how you feel and watch for symptoms of heat illness (see below)

 

How to keep your suite cool and comfortable:

 

  • Turn off the heat in your room on the thermostat
  • If you have air-conditioning, keep your doors and windows closed to keep the cold air in
  • Close your blinds or curtains in bedroom and living room
  • Do not go outside, or choose to take your walks early morning
  • Take a break if your suite is hot, and spend some time on the 1st floor of your building in the air-conditioned common areas. Bring a book, or some knitting and relax.

If you can’t get cool enough, call your family or support friends and check in. Let them know you could use some help. Try to plan a visit with your family who has air-conditioning.

Heat Exhaustion Symptoms

Anyone with one or more of these symptoms should move to a cool space immediately and let someone know they are not feeling well; skin rash, heavy sweating, headache, dizziness or fainting, nausea or vomiting, rapid heartbeat and breathing, muscle cramps, extreme thirst, and/or dark urine or decreased urination.

Heat Stroke Symptoms

Anyone with any of these symptoms should call 911 immediately; high body temperature, dizziness or fainting, confusion, lack of coordination, very hot and red skin.

Stay cool!

Sincerely,

Cheryl Dawes
Manager of Community Enrichment – 604 851 4020