Parts of Nova Scotia could reach up to 41 degrees with the humidity on Thursday, according to estimates from Environment Canada.
The whole province is under a heat warning for Wednesday and Thursday, with a chance the heat could continue Friday.
Dan Stovel, emergency preparedness coordinator for Kings County, said it’s important people know how to stay cool and stay safe during a heat wave.
“We all need to recognize the impacts of heat and be able to recognize the impacts of heat illness, whether that be heat exhaustion, or heatstroke, which is a medical emergency, and be prepared to call 911 if you or anybody is experiencing a heat stroke,” said Stovel.
To avoid heat stroke, it’s important to drink water ahead of feeling thirsty, said Stovel. Thirst is not a good sign of dehydration, because dehydration can start before
If people don’t have air conditioning, they should consider how to cool off their homes using fans or by leaving windows open for a breeze in the evening. During the day, he said people should close their blinds and windows to try and keep the heat out.
He said people can also head to air conditioned spaces like malls and libraries if they need.
According to Environment Canada, early signs of heat illness include:
- feeling unwell
- fatigue
- thirst
- headache
These things can evolve quickly into life-threatening emergencies, their website says.
People should call 911 if someone has:
- a high body temperature
- and is either confused, has stopped sweating, or becomes unconscious
While waiting for help, put the person in a cool place, put cold water on large areas of their skin and fan them as much as possible.
There are 26 comfort centres in Kings County, many of which are fire halls and community centres. If those facilities were necessary because of the weather, Stovel said they could open them up because they have generators and heat pumps.
