Environment Canada has issued a heat warning beginning today and lasting into Wednesday. WDG Public Health is reminding residents to take precautions when the temperature rises. During times of high heat, it is important to avoid sun exposure and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of cool liquids before you feel thirsty.
Keep your home cool by closing shades and blinds and avoid using the oven. If you don’t have air conditioning, take shelter in the coolest room in your home and take cool showers or a bath to cool off. There are a number of additional steps you can take to keep your home or apartment cool during the hot months.
Air quality can exacerbate hot weather risk because air pollution tends to be higher on very hot days. Make checking the Air Quality Health Index part of your hot weather routine. Understand and follow Government of Canada health messages to protect yourself and your family.
Take special care of older adults, individuals with chronic health conditions, children and infants because they are at the greatest risk of heat-related illness. Summer sun and high heat bring risks of heat exhaustion and heat stroke which is a serious condition that can be life threatening. Regularly call friends and family to check in on those who are vulnerable, especially those who may be on their own, to make sure they are cool and hydrated.
If you know someone who may be more vulnerable to heat-related illness, check out this great resource to help guide you when checking on someone on a hot day: Health Checks During Extreme Heat Events.
For more tips, visit Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health’s Extreme Heat webpage.
Media Contact
Danny Williamson
1-800-265-7293 ext. 4376
danny.williamson@wdgpublichealth.ca