It's sunny, it's hot, summer is well and truly here in Vaudreuil-Soulanges. But whether you like the summer heat or not, you need to be careful to avoid sunburn or heatstroke.

The warm air mass that has blanketed southern Quebec for the past few days is set to persist until Thursday morning. Maximum temperatures will be between 30 and 32 degrees Celsius, with humidex values between 35 and 38 on Wednesday.

Moreover, Wednesday night will be warm, with minimum temperatures hovering around 20 degrees Celsius, offering little respite.

What to do to avoid heatstroke at work

Physical work on a hot, humid day makes workers more vulnerable, especially at the start of the season, as they are not adapted to working in the heat. Workers may feel more tired and experience: heartache, headache, dizziness, muscle cramps or chills. These symptoms must be taken seriously.

A number of heatstroke prevention measures can easily be implemented in the workplace. In fact, employers should have prepared their preventive action plan and be implementing it.

Among the actions to apply:

- Adjust the pace and load of work to the temperature, taking into account workers' abilities;

- Encourage workers to be alert to heat-related symptoms, and if they occur, notify a supervisor or first-aider immediately;

- Be able to provide first aid quickly, in particular by having an effective communication system and trained first-aiders;

- Encourage workers to drink a glass of cool water every 10 to 20 minutes, right from the start of their shift.

At home

First, we can protect our skin from the sun with a sunscreen containing SPF 30 or higher, including protection against UVA and UVB rays. Apply the cream 30 minutes before exposure to the sun, or before swimming;

- Drink plenty of water, between 6 and 8 glasses a day. Hydrate often, without waiting until you're thirsty. We also pay special attention to children and babies who won't have this reflex.

You can also:

- Avoid alcoholic beverages;

- If you can, spend at least 2 hours a day in an air-conditioned or cool place;

- Take at least one cool shower or bath a day, or refresh your skin several times a day with a wet towel;

- Reduce physical exertion;

- Wear light clothing.

Make sure you :

- Never leave a child, baby or pet alone in a car or poorly ventilated room, even for a few minutes;

- Check on your loved ones, especially those who are losing their independence or living alone.