Southern Quebec and Ontario are currently experiencing an extreme heat wave. A situation that particularly hits the most vulnerable people, workers exposed to heat and even our pets. Overview of the precautions to take and the remedies made available by cities and various organizations during this first heatwave of 2024.
On construction sites
“I am able to endure this, but not everyone. The important thing is to take water and get into the shade to make sure you don’t get heatstroke. Otherwise, it’s the hospital,” says the road signalman, Richard Rondeau, at the entrance to a construction site in full sun, near the Jacques-Cartier bridge, in Montreal.
The risks of heat stroke should not be underestimated for people working outside during heatwaves, according to Mr. Rondeau. “Last summer, on another construction site, a lady almost fainted. She had to be kept inside for an hour while an ambulance arrived to take her to the hospital. »
Under these conditions, workers say they are concerned, according to Félix Ferland, vice-president and head of occupational health and safety at CSN-Construction.
“ [Les travailleurs] wonder if they can drink water, if they can take breaks and if they will still get paid. […] It is an industry where the only employability of workers is their work rate. However, no one reacts the same to heat. It’s really important to take a break in the shade or in an air-conditioned place and drink 6 to 7 liters of water per day,” explains Mr. Ferland.
According to him, few employers still implement the hot weather risk assessment method suggested by the CNESST, due to lack of resources or knowledge. Furthermore, according to him, a lack of CNESST inspectors would not encourage compliance with these measures. “It happens very regularly that we call the CNESST to carry out inspections, but it often takes too long because there are not enough inspectors,” explains the vice-president of the CSN-Construction.
“It’s going to be a hot night. Tomorrow, I expect construction sites to close on both sides,” predicts Mr. Ferland. According to him, employers prefer to close construction sites during hot weather, because the obligatory break time that they must give workers on these days slows down the pace of work.
Protect your pet from the heat
It was a quiet Tuesday afternoon at the Viger Square dog park in Montreal. The furry friends were nowhere to be seen, while the metropolis recorded temperatures above 35°C.
During these heat waves, “you have to take extra precautions” with regard to pets, explains Bonnie Bishop, regional manager of the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. Mme Bishop adds that it’s essential to leave fans in the home to circulate air and provide fresh water for your furry friend to hydrate. Pet owners should also be alert to the various signs their companions may exhibit if they are suffering from heatstroke, including rapid panting, vomiting and muscle tremors.
Even if your companion is exposed to extreme heat for a very short period of time, this short period can still be “deadly”, underlines Mme Bishop. She explains that owners of overweight dogs, Nordic breeds, such as huskies, as well as small dogs, such as pugs or French bulldogs, should pay more attention to signs of heatstroke. “Never leave them unattended” during these heat waves, she suggests.
Summer heatwaves, dangers of aging
In Estrie, 5,000 kits including a thermometer were distributed by various community organizations in order to provide recommendations and “concrete” measures for adapting to the heat in the homes of vulnerable people. The project, created by the Estrie Public Health Department, will also be deployed in other regions.
“In Quebec, we have become accustomed to living with the cold. Now, with what we’re going through, we have to get used to living with the heat. I think there will be more and more initiatives of this type,” estimates Patrice St-Pierre, general director of the Fédération de l’agence d’or du Québec.
Different characteristics, including financial situation, health status and age, make people more vulnerable to extreme heat waves. “Experiencing a heatwave for people already burdened by their health brings a much greater risk,” recalls Mr. St-Pierre.
A 2020 study conducted by Laval University revealed that the ability to regulate body temperature and hydration state deteriorates considerably with age. The DD Mélissa Généreux, medical consultant at the Public Health Department of the CIUSSS de l’Estrie, specifies that “as older people feel less heat, they feel less need to ask for help”.
Mme Généreux reminds you of basic advice, such as wearing light clothing, limiting your trips outside, staying hydrated, restricting your physical activities, eating well and knowing the signs of heatstroke.
Cool off at the library or pool
Some libraries, swimming pools and paddling pools announced Tuesday that they would extend their opening hours to allow the public to cool off. In Montreal, an “Emergency” alert launched by text message in the afternoon reminded people of the advice to follow during a heatwave. In particular, we suggest that citizens “reduce physical effort”, “drink lots of water” and take advantage of “cool, shaded or air-conditioned places”.
The City also shared a map of air-conditioned public places and refreshment points with modified schedules.
In Quebec, the City’s website indicates that several outdoor swimming pools are still “in preparation for the season” and will not open their doors in advance, even with the heat of the coming days. Libraries will also be closed. After the end of the strike, the reopening date of the libraries was scheduled for June 27 and will not be brought forward. However, the City offers other solutions to cool off, including water games and air-conditioned community centers.