Urgences-santé tips to keep cool, stay safe amid heat
Posted July 14, 2026 9:03 am.
Last Updated July 14, 2026 10:01 am.
Montrealers have had several doses of heat wave conditions already this summer and there’s likely more to come.
Here’s some tips from Urgences-santé expert Steve MacDuff on how to keep cool and take care of yourself and your loved ones on those hot days.
Heat strokes can be dangerous, so prevention and watching for symptoms quickly are important, says MacDuff.
Prevention
- If you can, go into an air-conditioned room during a heat wave. Children, seniors, pregnant woman and those with chronic diseases are especially vulnerable to heat strokes.
- Drink water through the day. Avoid alcohol and caffeine as they can increase dehydration.
“The best thing you can drink is water with some, electrolyte inside like Gatorade,” said MacDuff, chief operator at Urgences-santé Montréal.
- Avoid working out between 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. when the temperature is hottest
“If you can, move your activity outside of these hours, if you want to do some walk or jogging or something like that, do it in earlier in the day or in the evening.”
- Those who work outside need to take more breaks during the day.
“When you are on break, go inside at air-conditioned room or in the shadow. Drink water.”
Check on loved ones, pets
- Don’t leave anybody in the car during a hot day.
“Even a few minutes could be deadly for the people or animals in the car.”
- Check in with family members, friends and neighbours, especially those who live alone.
Watch for symptoms
- Watch for symptoms like nausea, vomiting, dizziness or headache. They are the first signs that appear in heat strokes which can be fatal in rare occasions.
- If these symptoms appear, just go inside or to an air-conditioned room, drink water.
“If you continue to have symptoms like confusion, passing out, a seizure, you need to call 911 because it’s more critical at this time.”
MacDuff also advises calling 811 for more advice for beating the heat or when facing minor symptoms.
