The Directorate General of Public Health of the Canary Islands Health Service (SCS), within the framework of the Canary Islands Heat Surveillance and Prevention Plan, communicates that, according to data supplied by the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) and the Ministry of Health for the coming days, an episode of extreme temperatures with potential health risks is forecast to occur. Therefore, the different alert levels are activated in the following MeteoSalud zones:
Level 2, orange, which indicates a moderate risk in vulnerable populations (adults over 65 years of age or with risk factors associated with the effects of heat) or the general population with prolonged sun exposure; likewise, this orange alert level indicates a high risk for adults over 65 years of age with additional risk factors. The alert is activated in Gran Canaria, Meteosalud zones: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Telde. Tenerife: Santa Cruz de Tenerife-El Rosario. Lanzarote Island: MeteoSalud zone: Lanzarote.
Level 1, yellow, which indicates a mild risk in vulnerable populations (adults over 65 years of age or with risk factors associated with the effects of heat). It is activated in the MeteoSalud zone of Fuerteventura.
Definition of the episode
According to the available information, this alert will be activated on Sunday, September 13, and as of today, its duration cannot be specified, information that will be updated as its estimate becomes available. Exceeding the maximum temperature thresholds in the MeteoSalud zones indicates an increase in the risk of heatstroke and other health problems, especially in sensitive and vulnerable populations.
Therefore, it is recommended that, in addition to the usual preventive measures against heat, the rescheduling of outdoor activities that involve physical exertion be considered and that people remain in cool places for as long as possible. It is recommended that protective measures against heat be adopted in cultural-religious activities, and special vigilance be exercised regarding the possible appearance of heat-related symptoms in attendees.
The most up-to-date information will be available at the following address.
Furthermore, the entry of dust (calima) is forecast for Monday in the mid-altitudes of the most mountainous and eastern islands, which could worsen heat symptoms in the population. Likewise, this phenomenon leads to a decrease in humidity and contributes to an alteration in the perception of the real temperature.
People with vulnerability factors to heat:
• Infants and children under 4 years of age, pregnant women, and adults over 65 years of age.
• People with pre-existing respiratory, cardiovascular, or renal diseases, and hypertension.
• People with chronic diseases: diabetes mellitus, morbid obesity.
• People on certain pharmacological treatments: diuretics, laxatives, neuroleptics, anticholinergics, benzodiazepines.
• People with cognitive deficits or lack of autonomy.
• People who consume alcohol or other psychotropic substances.
• People who engage in intense physical activity outdoors.
• People who live alone, homeless.
• People with high heat exposure due to work, sports, leisure, or tourism.
Probable symptoms
Intense thirst, weakness, general malaise, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, headache, muscle cramps, fever or temperature below normal, palpitations. And symptoms indicating severity: fainting, seizures, coma.
Recommendations for the general population and especially for the sensitive:
- Avoid dehydration: drink water and fluids without waiting to feel thirsty. Avoid caffeine, sugary drinks, energy drinks, or those with sweeteners, and alcohol.
- Eat mainly light meals, such as salads, vegetables, and fruits, avoiding fatty and heavy foods.
- Take care of fragile and vulnerable people, especially children, pregnant women, and the elderly.
Protect yourself from the heat
- Outdoors: avoid sun exposure during the central hours of the day by wearing loose clothing, plan intense physical activity for early morning or late afternoon, and check the weather forecast when planning outdoor activities.
- Reschedule outdoor work activities.
- Indoors: cool rooms during the extreme hours of the day, avoid using heat-producing appliances during the central hours, cool your body with fresh water. Prioritize staying in indoor spaces, if they are air-conditioned.
- In general, limit time spent outdoors and avoid intense or prolonged physical activities outdoors during extreme heat episodes.
- Consult a healthcare professional for symptoms requiring immediate specialized attention (weakness, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, blurred vision, fever, loss of consciousness...).
- In case of emergency, call 112.
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