Summer Safety Tips For Newcomers to Canada

Summer is a great time to enjoy the outdoors while you settle into your new home and explore. Canadian summers may be difficult, especially for newcomers. Be prepared for blistering heat waves, annoying pests, and powerful thunderstorms to keep safe and well this season.

This brochure gives newcomers to Canada summer safety guidelines to enjoy the season.

What is Summer Like in Canada?

Summer in Canada is a welcome break from winter. The days are long and sunny, with average highs of 20°C (68°F) to 28°C (82°F). Canadian experiences differ by region.

Western Canada is sunny, whereas central Canada is humid. Atlantic Canada is a relaxing getaway with warm days and cold nights. Summer in Canada brings beautiful scenery, refreshing lakes, and thrilling festivities to many regions.

The hottest Canadian provinces

Sunshine lovers, rejoice! Go west for the warmest Canadian summers. In July, British Columbia and southern Alberta have the highest average temperatures. Longer hot, sunny days are ideal for sunbathing in this location.

Ontario and Quebec offer a unique summer experience. Warm, humid summers with heat waves occur here. While still fun for outdoor activities, plan for humidity.

Atlantic Canada has milder summers. This region’s moderate summers and cool evenings are great for folks who prefer warmth to heat.

Summer Safety Guide for Canadian Newcomers

Now that you understand Canadian summer weather, let’s discuss safety. Being ready for warm weather can keep you safe and healthy.

Sunny Safety

Sunlight boosts happiness and vitamin D levels, but protection from the sun’s damaging rays is essential. Canada’s summer UV index is high, thus measures are necessary. Keep yourself healthy and pleasant this summer with these sun safety guidelines.

Sunscreen

Use sunscreen liberally and evenly on all exposed skin 15 minutes before going outside. Choose an SPF 30+ broad-spectrum sunscreen. Remember your ears, lips, neck, feet, and hands. Reapply sunscreen every two hours or more if you sweat or swim.

Sun-friendly Clothing

Dress wisely! Choose cotton or linen long-sleeved shirts and pants. Airflow and UV protection keep you cool and comfortable with these fabrics.

Sunglasses

UVA/UVB sunglasses protect eyes against UV radiation. Protective sunglasses should meet Canadian Criteria Association (CSA) criteria. Wraparound styles protect sensitive eye skin.

Staying Cool and Hydrated

Summer heat might be refreshing, but staying cool and hydrated can prevent heat stroke and other health issues. Key tactics for staying comfortable and safe in the warm season.

Hydration

Dehydration is prevalent but controllable in summer. Make water your daily drink, even if you’re not thirsty. Drink in small sips rather than all at once. Avoid sugary drinks and coffee, which dehydrate. For added hydration, use watermelon, cucumber, and celery.

Stay Cool

Avoid intense outdoor activities between 11 am and 3 pm, the warmest time of the day. If you must be outside, take breaks at shaded or air-conditioned libraries, malls, or community centers. A pleasant shower or bath can lower your body temperature.

Lightweight clothes

Plan your outfit to beat the heat. Clothing made of cotton or linen should be flowy and light-colored. These textiles improve airflow and cool you. Avoid heat-trapping tights and dark hues.

Water Safety

Canada has many beautiful lakes, rivers, and coasts, making summer water sports popular. Safety is paramount when enjoying these water elements, which offer infinite amusement. Here are some crucial water safety tips.

Swimming Safety

If you’re new to swimming or unsure of your skills, swim at lifeguarded beaches or pools. Never leave children near water unattended. Young children can drown in a few centimeters, therefore continual care is needed. Learn basic CPR to be prepared for emergencies.

Boating Safety

Everyone in a large boat or canoe must wear a lifejacket, regardless of swimming ability. Life jackets can save lives in crises or falls. Check the weather and beware of strong currents, sudden storms, and uneven water depths before going out on the water.

Fire Safety

Summertime outdoor fun includes campfires and barbecues. Fire is powerful and should be treated with care. Fire safety recommendations for a safe and fun summer.

Campfire Safety

Fires are a fun way to spend an evening beneath the stars, but safety is paramount. Campfires should be in approved places. Consult local authorities for burning limits and permits. Remove combustible leaves, branches, and dry grass from a wide radius around the pit before lighting a fire. Never leave a campfire unattended. To put out the fire, smother it with water until all embers are cool.

Barbecue Safety

Summer barbecues can start fires if not used properly. Place your barbecue in a sturdy, level location away from buildings, fences, and overhanging trees. Check gas lines and connections for leakage before each usage. Always have a fire extinguisher on hand and never leave a BBQ lit. Turn off the gas and let the BBQ cool before cleaning or storing.

Safety From Insects

Canada’s various environments attract many insects, some of which can be harmful. While these insects are inevitable while spending time outdoors, you can make efforts to reduce bites and stings and prevent insect-borne illnesses.

Insect Repellent

Good insect repellant is your first defense against pesky insects. Health Canada recommends DEET-based insect and tick repellents. Safe and proper application requires following product label instructions. DEET concentration should be considered when using repellent on children. DEET-free alternatives like citronella oil or picaridin may require more frequent reapplication.

Long Clothing

In summer, shorts and tank tops are tempting, but long pants and long-sleeved shirts decrease mosquito bites. Wear cotton or linen to stay cool and protected. Tuck your jeans into your socks to avoid ticks, which thrive in tall grasses and woods.

Insect Checks

After being outdoors, especially in insect-rich areas, examine your body for ticks and other insects. Check the armpits, knees, and back of the head. Use fine-tipped tweezers to remove ticks from your skin.

Wildlife Safety

Canada’s immense environment is home to stately bears, lively moose, curious raccoons, and songbirds. It’s exciting to see these animals in their native habitat, but safety must come first. How to cohabit with wildlife respectfully and safely this summer.

Be Bear Aware

Bears, black bears, or grizzlies may reside in your area, so you must know how to avoid them. Be aware of bear behavior and indicators in your region. Bear safety workshops and resources are available from parks and wildlife organizations.

Keep bear spray on hand for close encounters. Parks Canada recommends avoiding bear encounters and utilizing bear spray as a last resort.

Bear spray should always be used properly and handled safely to avoid accidental discharge.

Wildlife Encounters

It’s tempting to come close to wild creatures for a snapshot or a better look but stay away. Wild animals, however charming or tame, are unpredictable and have strong instincts. Do not feed or touch wild animals. Wildlife that is fed changes their foraging routines and becomes violent toward humans.

Be calm and carefully back away from an animal on a trail to let them move on. Notify wildlife officials of hostile animal behavior.

Follow these safety precautions to avoid unwanted wildlife contact and enjoy summer with the animals.

Thunderstorm Safety

Summertime in Canada may be unpredictable, with thunderstorms. These storms can cool you off, but they’re violent. Here’s how to keep safe in a thunderstorm.

Seek Shelter Immediately

Thunder alerts you to take shelter. The old saying “When you see lightning, count to ten; if you hear thunder before ten, then the storm is close enough to strike” still applies. Find a strong building without windows or doors. Basements offer the most security.

Avoid towering trees, open gazebos, and fields if you’re outdoors without a building. These structures provide little lightning protection. The safest safe is to squat low to the ground and minimize your target. Avoid resting on the ground or leaning on conductive objects like metal fences.

Avoid electronics

In a thunderstorm, avoid using electronics like phones and laptops. Lightning is unlikely to directly impact a handheld device, but it can travel through electrical wires and phone lines and cause injuries. Same reason to avoid corded landlines during storms.

Additional Summer Safety Advice

Being prepared helps ensure a safe and fun summer. Remember these additional tips.

Learn Swimming

Swim lessons are recommended for newcomers to Canada. Swimming programs teach adults and children how to enjoy water safely in many areas. Even if you stay in shallow water, knowing how to swim can provide you peace of mind and expand your water-based activities.

Get a First Aid Kit

Despite safeguards, accidents happen. Have a well-stocked first-aid kit at home and outside. Bandages, antiseptic wipes, painkillers, and bug bite treatment should be in your kit.

Weather updates

Stay knowledgeable about the weather, especially if you’re going outdoors. National Weather Agency Environment Canada provides accurate forecasts, warnings, and advisories. Checking the forecast before leaving might help you prepare and plan for heat waves and thunderstorms.

Use these summer safety tips and be educated to enjoy Canada’s warm season. With enough planning and awareness, you can make summer memories while protecting yourself and your family.

Important Emergency Numbers for Newcomers to Canada

Knowing what number to call in an emergency is crucial. The following Canadian emergency numbers are crucial.

Emergency Services

Call 911 for fire, police, or medical emergencies. Canada-wide emergency number. A dispatcher will inquire which service you need when you call 911. Stay cool and provide the dispatcher with accurate details about your issue and location.

Poison Control

A poisoned person should phone the Canadian Poison Control Centre at 1-800-561-3333. This 24/7 poisoning hotline offers free, confidential medical advice.

Always prefer safety over regret. Call 911 if you’re unsure or need help now.

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