Climate change

Greenhouse gases (GHGs) are naturally present in the atmosphere and have been retaining heat near the Earth’s surface for millions of years. These gases allow the development and maintenance of life on Earth. Since around the 1750s, these greenhouse gases have been released into the atmosphere in very large quantities through human activities, such as industries, transport, waste and wastewater management and agriculture. This sharp increase in greenhouse gases has unbalanced the system and caused our planet to warm up. This imbalance and warming contribute to increased climate change that causes extreme weather events on a global scale, including extreme heat, heavy rains and floods, storms, hurricanes and severe droughts. In the Outaouais, the 2017 and 2019 floods are good examples of what our region can experience as a result of this climate change.

To learn more about climate change and your health, see: 

• Health effects of climate change
• Preventing health problems associated with climate change

Assessment of health risks related to climate change for the Outaouais region.

In 2025, the Direction de santé publique released the regional climate change health risk assessment report. The purpose of this assessment is to determine the potential consequences of several climatic hazards on the health of the Outaouais population. The findings of this report will then form the basis of a regional climate change adaptation plan.

See the full report for more information. (In French only)

Extreme heat

Extreme heat can cause intense thirst, unusual fatigue, headaches, dizziness, swelling of hands, feet and ankles, and muscle cramps. 

Heat stroke is the most serious effect of heat. It can occur suddenly and be fatal in a very short space of time if left untreated.

Go to the emergency department immediately or call 911 if you or a family member or friend experiences:

• An increase in body temperature
• Dizziness or vertigo
• Confusing or illogical language
• Aggressive or bizarre behaviour
• General malaise

To learn more about the effects of heat on your health, see:

• The health effects of heat

During periods of extreme heat, health can deteriorate rapidly, especially among: 

• Seniors
• Pregnant women, infants and young children
• People with chronic illnesses or serious mental health problems
• People who are losing their independence or living alone
• People with alcohol or drug use problems
• People who work outdoors or are exposed to other sources of heat (e.g., cooks)

Here are some tips to protect yourself from heat: 

• Drink water, even before becoming thirsty.
• Cool down by taking a shower, a cool bath or going to the pool or spending time in an air-conditioned space.
• Close your windows and curtains in hot, sunny weather and let the air in when it is cooler.
  • Protect yourself from the sun, plan your outdoor activities for cooler times of the day and reduce your physical effort.
  • Monitor alerts and take care of vulnerable people.

To learn more about heat and your health, see: 

• Checklist for when it’s really hot (In French only)
• The health effects of heat
• Extreme heat
• It’s really hot!
• It’s really hot! Precautions to take for children

Forest fires

Exposure to wildfire smoke can impact health, especially among:  

• People with respiratory problems, heart disease or diabetes
• Children under 5 years of age
• Persons aged 65 and older
• Pregnant women

Wildfire smoke can spread hundreds or thousands of kilometres from the fire zone. To keep informed of the air quality near you, regularly check the AQMap platform: 

• AQMap – Real-time air quality concentrations

Identify the sensor closest to your location and adapt your activities by checking provincial recommendations based on the concentration of fine particles (PM_2.5):

• Preventing the health effects of exposure to wildfire smoke

For advice for child care organizations, day camps, schools, sports activities, seniors’ residences, etc., see: 

• Prevention advice in the event of poor air quality due to vegetation fires

To learn more about wildfires and your health, see: 

• Forest fires
• Preventing the health effects of exposure to wildfire smoke

Sun and UV rays

The sun is essential to life. However, you must expose yourself to it safely. Sun exposure without protection, even briefly, can damage your skin and eyes and increase the risk of skin cancer.  

To learn more about how to protect yourself from the sun and UV rays, see: 

• Protection from the sun and UV rays

To learn more about the risks of tanning, see:

• Tanning
• Skin cancer

Extreme cold and winter storms

Extreme cold and winter storms (ice, blizzards, high winds) can cause frostbite (skin freezing), hypothermia, injuries and accidents and aggravate certain chronic illnesses.   

To learn more about the effects of cold on your health, see:

• The effects of cold temperatures on health

During periods of extreme cold and winter storms, health can deteriorate rapidly, especially among: 

• Newborns and infants
• Seniors
• People with reduced mobility or loss of autonomy
• People with certain chronic illnesses
• People with alcohol or drug use problems
• People with mental illness
• Homeless people
• People working outdoors or in unheated areas

Here are some tips to protect yourself from the cold: 

• Inside
  • Keep your home heated to around 19°C.
  • Do not use fuel-burning appliances (barbecues, camping stoves) to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Outside
  • Dress with multiple layers of clothing, cover from head to toe, and stay dry.
  • Keep on the move, such as walking constantly.
  • If you need to stay outdoors for a long time, take breaks in a warm place sheltered from the wind.
  • Drink hot beverages.
  • Do not smoke or drink alcoholic beverages as this will not warm you up.
  • Be careful when travelling on foot or by car.

In the event of a power outage, set up your generator safely outside.

For more information, see:

• Using a generator safely at home

To learn more about the cold and your health, see: 

• Health tips for the winter
• The effects of cold temperatures on health
• Preventing the harmful effects of cold temperatures
• Frostbite
• Hypothermia
• Precautions in the event of a winter storm or freezing rain

To monitor the situation during periods of extreme cold and winter storms, see:

• Hydro-Québec power outages
• Power outages
• Outaouais – Road conditions
• Carbon monoxide poisoning

Floods

Floods can cause injury, illnesses due to sewer back-ups, food poisoning, insect-borne or mould-borne illnesses, carbon monoxide poisoning, and even drowning or electrocution. Floods can also lead to mood disorders, psychological distress, anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress disorder.

During flooding, health can deteriorate rapidly, especially among: 

• People living near shorelines
• Children and seniors
• People with cardiovascular disease
• People with mental illnesses
• People with reduced mobility
• People undergoing medical treatment
• Materially disadvantaged people without insurance
• First responders
• Agricultural producers and people working in flood-risk areas

To learn more about flood precautions, see: 

• Prepare for flooding
• Safety instructions during flooding
• Post-flooding action to be taken
• Prepare an Emergency Kit and a Household Evacuation Plan
• Refer to this checklist if you have an artesian or surface well (In French only)
• Protecting your health in the event of a flood

To monitor the situation in the event of a flood near you, see:

• Vigilance – Flood monitoring (In French only) 
• Flooding or other disaster-related financial support
• Checklist for returning home post-flood (In French only)