Beat the Heat! How to Help This Summer
Why is preventing heat-related illness so important?
According to a 2021 study published in the Journal of Nature and Climate Change, 37% of heat-related deaths can be attributed directly to climate change. With increased mortality across the globe, preventing heat-related illness has become all the more critical in recent years.
Although heat-related death is completely preventable, heat contributes to an average of 120 deaths every summer in Toronto alone.
Extreme heat is a serious health risk, especially for those without permanent shelter. Heat-related illnesses can include heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat rash, and muscle cramps. People suffering from any of these listed illnesses can experience dizziness, nausea, fainting, headache, rapid breathing and rapid heartbeat, and extreme thirst.
How Can You Help?
Give out a bottle of water! Water is key in preventing dehydration. Those experiencing homelessness might not have consistent or reliable access to water, making handing out bottles all the more important on extremely hot days.
If you want to take handing out water a step further, keep an eye out for heat warning advisories on your favourite weather app and make a point to hand out water on those days.Donate money or a vehicle to a charity that helps those experiencing homelessness in the summer.
When you donate a vehicle to Homeless Cars in Edmonton, the proceeds directly support Boyle Street's ongoing Emergency Response Campaign which provides water bottles, hats, sunscreen, and other items needed to protect our most vulnerable populations from extreme weather.
If you’re in Calgary, Winnipeg, Toronto, or Hamilton and want to donate your car in support of those experiencing Homelessness this summer, contact us at 1-833-465-7227 to learn more about the charities we support in your area.
- Help direct those experiencing homelessness to cooling centres or publicly accessible air-conditioned spaces to help eliminate the risk of heat altogether.
As summer weather approaches, cities across the country will begin to open cooling centres in anticipation of extreme weather. Watch the news, your favourite charities on social media, or your city's local website to determine if cooling centres are available in your area. Take note of the address and provide this information to those in need.
Alternatively, public spaces like malls will often have air conditioning, a water fountain, and access to washroom facilities if there are no cooling centres in your area. - Although there are plenty of ways to help those experiencing the effects of hot weather, heat stroke is a medical emergency and requires immediate medical assistance.
If you identify someone who is unconscious, no longer sweating, or confused, contact 911 immediately and attempt to lower their body temperature by getting them to a cool place or by providing them with cold water.
