Heat & Disability Safety

Summer heat can affect everyone differently, but individuals with disabilities and chronic health conditions may face additional risks during extreme temperatures. Planning ahead can help you stay safe, healthy, and comfortable during hot weather.

Medication & Heat Sensitivity
Some medications can make it harder for the body to regulate temperature or stay hydrated. This may increase the risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

Medications that may increase heat sensitivity can include:
Certain antidepressants
Blood pressure medications
Diuretics (“water pills”)
Antihistamines
Some seizure medications
Stimulants and psychiatric medications

Tips:
Speak with your pharmacist or doctor about heat-related side effects
Avoid direct sun during peak afternoon heat
Watch for dizziness, confusion, nausea, or excessive fatigue
Never leave medications in a hot vehicle
Mobility Equipment in Hot Weather
Heat can also affect mobility aids and medical equipment.

Things to watch for:
Wheelchair seats and metal surfaces becoming extremely hot
Reduced battery performance in power wheelchairs or scooters
Service animal paw safety on hot pavement
Heat affecting prosthetics, braces, or medical adhesives

Helpful tips:
Use shaded parking whenever possible
Carry charging equipment and backup batteries
Test surfaces before touching them
Keep equipment dry and out of direct sunlight

Staying Hydrated
Hydration is one of the most important ways to prevent heat illness. Tips for staying hydrated:
Drink water regularly throughout the day
Avoid excessive caffeine or alcohol
Carry a reusable water bottle
Eat water-rich foods like watermelon, cucumber, and berries
Set reminders to drink water if memory or fatigue is a concern

Signs of dehydration can include:
Headache
Dark urine
Muscle cramps
Fatigue
Dizziness
Dry mouth
Accessible Emergency Planning

Extreme heat events can become emergencies quickly, especially for people who rely on electricity, medication refrigeration, mobility equipment, or support workers.

Consider preparing:
An emergency contact list
Backup phone chargers or power banks
Extra medications and medical supplies
A list of cooling centres near your area
Transportation plans if evacuation is needed

It can also help to:
Check in with neighbours or family members
Register for local emergency alerts
Keep important documents in an easy-to-access location

Power Outage Preparedness
Power outages during heat waves can be dangerous, particularly for individuals using medical or mobility equipment. Prepare ahead by having:
Flashlights and batteries
Fully charged devices
Ice packs or cooling towels
Backup battery systems if available
A manual wheelchair backup if using a power chair
Non-perishable food and bottled water

If you rely on powered medical equipment:
Speak with your utility provider about medical priority programs. Ask about emergency preparedness resources. Have a backup plan for relocating if needed
Remember

Heat-related illness can happen quickly. Planning ahead, staying cool, and checking in on vulnerable friends, family, and neighbours can make a big difference during Alberta’s summer heat.

If you need help accessing disability supports, benefits, or community resources, Voice of Albertans with Disabilities (VAD) is here to help.