Extreme Heat

Extreme Heat can pose serious health risks. As summer temperatures continue to rise because of climate change, heat-related illness is becoming a more pressing concern, and more attention is needed to reduce the risk.

Areas to Cool Off

Cooling off is essential to protecting yourself during hot weather. The City of Fredericton has a number of locations and resources that can help to provide relief on the hottest days.

Explore our handy "Stay Cool, Fredericton” interactive map to find drinking water fountain locations, public pools or splash pads, and air-conditioned spaces throughout Fredericton to help you escape the heat.

Heat Alert Response System

The City of Fredericton is a partner in the Province of New Brunswick, who provides a Heat Alert and Response System (HARS). HARS helps residents know when to expect the hottest days.

The HARS has three alert levels:

Level 1: Humidex 36-39°C. Certain vulnerable people may be affected.
Level 2: Humidex 40-44°C. Everyone is at an increased risk of heat stress and heat stroke. Actions should be taken to stay cool, and residents are encouraged to check in on neighbours and relatives.
Level 3: Humidex >45°C. Everyone is at high risk of heat stress and heat stroke. Sports and recreational activities that take place outside should be rescheduled, and people living alone without air conditioning are at risk.

Heat alerts will be posted on the City of Fredericton social media accounts.

Reducing the Risk

You can reduce the risk of heat-related illness by taking actions to stay cool.

Keeping Yourself Cool

Keep hydrated.
Take a cool bath or shower.
Place cool/damp towels on the body.
Spend time in air-conditioned areas.
Visit a pool, air-conditioned building or cooler areas like shaded parks or waterfronts to cool off.
Avoid direct sun.
Wear loose, light clothing.
Limit outdoor exercise to the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler.
Sleep in the coolest room of your house.

Keeping Your Home Cool

Turn on your air conditioner if you have one.
Close windows and indoor shades by 10 a.m. to trap cooler air inside and open them around 8 p.m. to let in cooler overnight air
Turn off all unused electric appliances and lights.
Avoid turning on the oven, cook with a barbeque or eat cold meals
If interior temperatures are over 26°C, consider leaving your home to seek a cooler environment.

Keeping Others Cool

Check in on your family, friends, and neighbours who may be vulnerable to extreme heat to make sure they are staying cool. Use the health check guide for assistance with conducting an effective assessment.
Encourage others to keep cool. If they are unable to keep their home cool, help them go to an air-conditioned public building, visit a public pool, or invite them to come stay with you if your home is cool.
Never leave children or pets in a car, even in the shade or with the windows cracked

Effects of Extreme Heat

Extreme heat can lead to illnesses including heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke, worsen previous medical conditions, and potentially result in death. If indoor temperatures remain above 26°C for a sustained period, the risk of heat-related illnesses in susceptible groups rises significantly. Everyone is at risk for heat-related illness, but the following groups can be at greater risk:

Seniors
Infants and young children
People experiencing homelessness or who are inadequately housed
Outdoor workers
People with chronic illnesses
People using certain medications
People with limited mobility

Identifying Symptoms of Heat-Related Illness

Heat Stress

Heat Stroke

Visit the Government of Canada website for more information on protecting yourself from extreme heat

Check if your medications increase your sensitivity to the heat

Explore proactive ways to protect your home or apartment from the heat