Preparing for Heat Waves: PEI's Heat Alert and Response System (HARS)

What is the Heat Alert and Response System (HARS)?

Prince Edward Island’s Heat Alert and Response System (HARS) supports a coordinated, province-wide approach to preparing for and responding to periods of extreme heat. The system helps ensure that Islanders and the organizations that support them have access to clear, timely, and consistent heat-health information when hot weather may pose a risk to health.

Periods of hot and humid weather can affect anyone. Some people may be at greater risk, including older adults, young children, people with chronic health conditions, people who work outdoors, people who live alone, and people without reliable access to cool indoor spaces.

HARS supports shared awareness, public messaging, and coordination among provincial, municipal, and community partners. It builds on existing services, community resources, and emergency management structures already in place across Prince Edward Island. It does not replace municipal emergency planning or guarantee that a specific facility or service will be available during a heat event.

For more information regarding heat-health guidance, and resources to prepare for hot weather, visit StayCool PEI.

HARS helps support:

• clear public information when heat alerts are issued;
• consistent heat-health messaging across partners;
• awareness of practical steps Islanders can take to protect themselves and others;
• coordination among provincial, municipal, and community partners during periods of extreme heat; and
• connection to existing resources, supports, and reliable sources of information.

Current heat alert status

HARS uses a colour-coded alert system to communicate increasing heat-health risk. A Yellow Heat Warning (uncomfortable heat) may be issued when forecasts show at least two consecutive days of 28 C or higher (humidex of 36, low of 18 C). An Orange Heat Alert (dangerous heat) may be used for severe heat such as daytime highs of 31 C (low of 18 C) for two consecutive days within a 3-day (or longer) heat event, or other conditions that may increase health impacts. A Red Extreme Heat Emergency is reserved for very dangerous heat events requiring enhanced emergency coordination. 

When a heat alert is issued, Islanders can find up-to-date information through Environment and Climate Change Canada’s WeatherCAN app or Weather Conditions and Forecasts website. Heat alerts will also appear as a headline-style banner across the Government of PEI website when active, directing visitors to current heat alert information. Additionally, the StayCool PEI website also includes safety tips, information on symptoms of heat-related illness, and resources to help individuals and families prepare for hot weather.

How to stay safe during hot weather

Before hot weather

• Make a plan for how you will stay cool, especially if your home gets very warm.
• Identify cool or air-conditioned places you can access, such as the home of a family member or friend, a library, a community facility, or another public indoor space.
• Check in with family, neighbours, friends, clients, or community members who may need extra support during hot weather.
• Keep supplies on hand, such as drinking water, light clothing, sunscreen, and any required medications.
• Review local information from your municipality and trusted provincial sources before and during a heat event.

During hot weather

• Drink water regularly, even before you feel thirsty.
• Spend time in a cool or air-conditioned place when possible.
• Close curtains or blinds during the hottest part of the day to help keep indoor spaces cooler.
• Limit strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day.
• Wear light, loose-fitting clothing and use sunscreen when outdoors.
• Take breaks often if working or exercising outside.
• Never leave children, adults who need support, or pets in a parked vehicle.

Check on others

Extreme heat can be harder on people who are older, live alone, have health conditions, take certain medications, work outdoors, or have limited access to cooling. During prolonged heat, consider checking in by phone, text, or in person to make sure they are safe and have what they need.

Know the signs of heat-related illness

Heat-related illness can develop when the body is unable to cool itself. Symptoms can become serious if they are not recognized early.

Signs of heat exhaustion may include:

• heavy sweating;
• weakness, tiredness, or dizziness;
• headache;
• nausea or vomiting;
• muscle cramps; and
• cool, pale, or clammy skin.

If someone may be experiencing heat exhaustion, move them to a cooler place, encourage small sips of water if they are alert and able to drink, loosen tight clothing, and use cool cloths or a fan if available. Seek medical advice if symptoms do not improve or if you are concerned.

Heat stroke is a medical emergency

Heat stroke can be life-threatening. Call 911 immediately if someone has a high body temperature, confusion, fainting, loss of consciousness, seizures, or hot, red skin. While waiting for help, move the person to a cooler place and cool them with water, wet cloths, or fans if it is safe to do so.

Who is at greater risk during extreme heat?

Extreme heat can affect anyone, but some people may need extra support during hot weather. This may include:

• older adults;
• infants and young children;
• people with chronic health conditions;
• people who take medications that may affect hydration or body temperature;
• people who work or exercise outdoors;
• people who live alone or are socially isolated;
• people without reliable access to cool indoor spaces;
• people experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity; and
• people who need assistance with daily activities.
• People at greater risk may benefit from planning ahead, checking indoor temperatures, arranging regular check-ins, and identifying cooler places they can access if needed.

Where to find cooler spaces and local support

During hot weather, spending time in a cooler indoor space can help reduce the risk of heat-related illness. Depending on the community and the circumstances, cooler spaces may include air-conditioned homes, libraries, community facilities, public buildings, shopping areas, or other indoor spaces open to the public.

Islanders are encouraged to check local information from their municipality and community organizations during heat events. Availability of facilities, hours, staffing, and services may vary by location and event.

Reception Centre Map

The PEI Reception Centre Map identifies reception centres and community facilities across the province that may be used during emergencies. This map can help Islanders find facilities in their area and understand where community supports may be located.

Reception centres are not automatically open during every heat event. A reception centre may only open when activated by a municipality or the appropriate authority, depending on the emergency, local needs, available resources, and the services required.

Before travelling to a reception centre or community facility, Islanders should check current municipal or provincial public safety updates, confirm facility availability where possible, and follow local instructions.

Community and municipal response

Municipalities play an important role in supporting their communities during emergencies. Individuals who need local assistance are generally encouraged to follow municipal public safety information and use local contact points or instructions provided during an event.

If municipal resources, including mutual aid, are not sufficient to respond to an emergency, assistance may be requested from the Provincial Government through the PEI Emergency Measures Organization.

HARS supports this broader response structure by helping partners share consistent heat-health information and by supporting coordination during periods of extreme heat. HARS does not replace municipal emergency planning or direct the operation of municipal facilities.

For community organizations, employers, and service providers

• Community organizations, employers, and service providers can help protect people during hot weather by preparing ahead and sharing consistent heat-health information.
• Review hot weather or business continuity plans before summer heat events occur.
• Share official public health and emergency information through existing channels.
• Identify people who may need additional support or check-ins during heat events.
• Consider how services, programming, outdoor work, or events may need to be adjusted during extreme heat.
• Direct clients, staff, visitors, and community members to reliable sources of information.

Frequently asked questions

What is HARS?

HARS is Prince Edward Island’s Heat Alert and Response System. It supports a coordinated approach to heat-health messaging, public awareness, and partner communication when hot weather may pose a risk to health.

Does HARS open cooling centres?

No. HARS supports coordination and information sharing. It does not create or operate cooling centres, and it does not guarantee that a specific facility will be open during a heat event. Municipalities and facility operators determine what local measures are available based on the circumstances.

Are reception centres always open during heat events?

No. Reception centres may only open when activated by a municipality or the appropriate authority. Availability, hours, staffing, and services may vary. Islanders should check local public safety information before going to a facility.

What should I do when a heat alert is issued?

Follow public health advice, drink water regularly, stay in cool places when possible, limit strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day, and check on people who may be at greater risk.

Where can I find the latest information?

Use trusted sources, including Government of Prince Edward Island updates, Environment and Climate Change Canada weather information, and local municipal communications. During an emergency, follow instructions from local and provincial public safety officials.

What should I do in a medical emergency?

Call 911 immediately if someone has signs of heat stroke or another medical emergency. For non-urgent health advice, Islanders may call 811 or contact a health care provider.