Extreme heat: the Western Quebec School Board switches to distance learning
Extreme heat: the Western Quebec School Board switches to distance learning
Extreme heat will affect the Pontiac as of today (June 7). Due to these weather alerts and extreme heat forecast by Environment Canada for a large part of the province of Quebec, and given the specific health circumstances of the current COVID-19 pandemic, all schools / centers of the School Board Western Quebec will switch to distance learning, in accordance with each school’s learning schedule for today and tomorrow (Monday June 7 and Tuesday June 8).
Schools remain open near the Centre de service scolaire des Hauts-Bois-de-l’Outaouais (CSSHBO). On the other hand, the CSSHBO recalled the instructions of the Direction de santé publique (DSPU) of the Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux (CISSS) de l’Outaouais, which reminded them of the basic instructions to protect themselves from the heat.
Who is at risk?
Anyone can have heat-related health problems, but some people are at greater risk, such as:
– Old people;
– Children under 5 years old;
– People with chronic diseases, especially diseases of the heart, lungs,
kidneys and some mental health problems;
– People who need help drinking;
– People who work outdoors or are exposed to the heat of others
sources (eg cooks).
What can heat cause?
It can cause dehydration, the main symptoms of which are:
– Intense thirst;
– Unusual fatigue;
– Headaches;
– dizziness;
– Swelling in the hands, feet and ankles and muscle cramps.
Left unchecked, the condition can worsen, up to heat stroke which can be recognized by high body temperature, confusion and fainting. Heat stroke is a medical emergency.
What to do to protect yourself from the heat?
It is recommended :
– Drink lots of water throughout the day, even when you are not thirsty.
– For the breastfed baby, offer the breast on demand. It is quite normal for him to breastfeed more often. For babies fed commercial infant formula, offer more often. For babies over six months, offer small amounts of water after or between feedings;
– Avoid alcoholic and sugary drinks (juices and carbonated drinks) and those containing
caffeine (tea, coffee);
– Cool the skin with a wet towel several times a day;
– For adults, refresh themselves often by taking a cool shower or bath every day or more as needed. For babies and children, keep them cool by taking a lukewarm bath or shower at least twice a day. Visit an outdoor swimming area available if needed (eg water games, swimming pools);
– Spend at least two hours a day in an air-conditioned or cooler place, in your residence or in an available public place;
– Close the curtains or blinds when the sun is shining and ventilate if possible at the coolest time (generally very early in the morning);
– Plan outdoor activities and outings for cooler times of the day;
– Limit the intensity of outdoor activities;
– Dress in light clothing and cover your head with a wide-brimmed hat;
– Stay in the shade as much as possible.
Warning: Never leave a child or baby alone in a car or a poorly ventilated room, even for a few minutes.
Solidarity is important!
If you have elderly family, friends or neighbors who are losing their independence,
living alone or suffering from physical or mental health problems, call or visit them for news. Also offer to bring them cold drinks or to accompany them in air-conditioned or well-ventilated places while respecting distancing and COVID-19 prevention measures.
