“Half an hour more and I would fall. » Gerry Saumur says he almost succumbed to the heat the day before. Despite everything, the roofer was back on the roofs Thursday morning, in the borough of Saint-Laurent, surrounded by other workers who braved the extreme conditions. Under a blazing sun. The heat wave continued Thursday in Quebec, and should not end before Sunday.
A heat alert was still in effect Thursday evening for the Montreal region and the rest of southern Quebec. A few hours earlier, the temperature felt close to 40, taking into account the Humidex index. These extreme conditions are caused by a push of warm, humid air from the southern United States, according to Environment Canada.
Outdoor workers are particularly affected by the scorching weather. For the group of roofers crossed by The Press“staying in the shade” or “reducing physical effort” was not possible, given the job they do.
“It’s a physical effort and, in addition, you’re up high, so it’s even hotter,” says Kevin Luna. Most of the team members admitted to having suffered from heatstroke.
PHOTO PATRICK SANFAÇON, THE PRESS
Maxime Bertrand remained in a good mood, despite the oppressive heat in the borough of Saint-Laurent.
The workers had several tips for keeping cool, including keeping their sweaters, which stay “wet and refreshing”, “eating more fruits and vegetables” and “drinking water all the time”.
These tips echo the advice of the Commission for Standards, Equity, Health and Safety at Work (CNESST). “I encourage workers at risk to stay well hydrated, wear light clothing and recognize the signs of heatstroke,” said organization spokeswoman Émilie Marcotte, reached by telephone.
“The Good Shadow”
At Jarry Park, Juliette Lefrère, who does not have an air conditioner at home, had settled outside for dinner. She took advantage of “the good shade” offered by a tree. She had bought herself a bottle of water to accompany her meal, which she could refill at the fountains in the park.
PHOTO PATRICK SANFAÇON, THE PRESS
Juliette Lefrère took advantage of the shade under a tree in Jarry Park.
Not everyone you met in the park was necessarily fleeing the heat. A group of motivated sportswomen had even gone to the volleyball courts.
PHOTO PATRICK SANFAÇON, THE PRESS
Volleyball players challenged the scorching sun at Jarry Park.
“We have just arrived, but in an hour, we may no longer be here,” said one of them. The group, made up of two mothers and their three daughters, planned to take breaks in the shade and enjoy the air conditioning of their homes after their games were over.
The young people inside
Youth at the Sportmax day camp in Montreal usually eat out. But on Thursday, the monitors kept their proteges inside for dinner. “For the two snacks too, because it was too hot outside,” explained Danylo Vasquez-Lacasse, a boy who attends the day camp located at the Sports Center of the University of Quebec in Montreal.
“It’s reassuring that they didn’t take them out,” observed Stéphanie Pellerin, mother of 11-year-old Julien, who attends the same camp. I am a nurse, so I know the precautions [à prendre]. »
This decision by the Sportmax camp respects the will of the Association des camps du Québec, which is to avoid exposing young people to the sun in hot weather. Indoor, shaded or aquatic activities are prioritized, said the association’s communications coordinator, Valérie Desrosiers, particularly between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. In other words: no “contest somersaults in the sun at 1 p.m.,” she said in a telephone interview.
In these circumstances, facilitators should monitor children with known health issues, and any signs of discomfort, Ms.me Desrosiers, the animators also encouraging young people to drink “a lot” of water.
Parents must also play their part, by providing their children with a water bottle, a swimsuit and light clothing, she recommends.
A “difficult” situation
The elderly are at risk of experiencing heat-related complications. This did not discourage Radhi, a retiree turned caricaturist, who was installed at the end of the afternoon on Place Jacques-Cartier, in the Old Port, to practice his art. He found the situation “difficult”. The heat scared away the customers, but Radhi was faithful to the post, a bottle of water not far away, in case the brave wanted to be caught sketching.
In contrast, Odette Dubé, who lives in a private residence for seniors, tried to stay inside.
I go out if it’s really necessary. This morning, I did my errands, but at 8:30 a.m., to avoid the heat.
Odette Dube
The 76 year old lady didn’t have an air conditioner either, due to allergies. But she said she was fine with just a fan in her room.
In CHSLDs, barely 45.9% of rooms were air-conditioned in 2022, revealed the Quebec Association of Retirees from the Public and Parapublic Sectors after a survey last year.
To overcome this problem in times of heat wave, a series of precautions have been taken, assured the assistant director of accommodation at the CIUSSS du Nord-de-l’Île-de-Montréal, Isabelle Parent. Monitoring for symptoms of dehydration, touring rooms to offer water, lemonade and juice, and using common air-conditioned areas are among the measures put in place.
During the night, closing windows and blinds is essential. “Our common areas are mostly air-conditioned, so we want to make sure the fresh air stays inside,” explained Ms.me parent. Without these measures, the temperature in the rooms would rise by several degrees, she added.