Tips to follow during a heat wave

Last updated September 1, 2023
Reading time: 2 min

What should you do during a heat wave? Where are the public places you can go to cool off in Montréal? Follow these tips to protect yourself.

Tips

  • Drink six to eight glasses of water a day. Don’t wait until you feel thirsty.
  • To help your body temperature get back to normal, rest in a cool place – with air conditioning, or in the shade – for two hours every day.
  • Wear loose, light-coloured clothing.
  • Limit physical effort, especially in the middle of the day when temperatures are highest.
  • Take a cool shower or bath, or cool down with a wet towel.
  • Call people you are close to, especially older or vulnerable people, to find out how they are doing.
  • Close all windows, curtains and blinds when the sun is blazing.
  • Use heat-generating appliances as little as possible (stove, oven, dryer, television, lights, etc.)

Places to cool off

During a heat wave, the opening hours of many public places could be extended.

Remember to check the opening hours before making your way to any of these locations by contacting them.

You can go to any of the following places to cool down:

Symptoms to watch for

Call Info-Santé at 811 or talk to a health care professional if you have these symptoms. 

  • Exhaustion (fatigue)
  • Dehydration (dry mouth)
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Confusion
  • Fainting 

If you have these symptoms and are also feverish, you may be experiencing heatstroke. This is a medical emergency. Call 911 to get help quickly.

Look out for your loved ones and neighbours

Let’s stick together! You can do your part to mitigate the impacts of a heat wave.

During a heat wave, take a few minutes, on a regular basis, to look out for the well-being of your loved ones and the people in your neighbourhood who are more isolated.