Hot weather is here. WDG Public Health is reminding residents to take precautions as the weekend’s dangerous heat and humidity are expected to continue into the week until Tuesday night. During times of high heat, it is important to avoid sun exposure and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water even 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 increase 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.
Older adults, individuals with chronic health conditions, and children and infants are at a greatest risk for heat-related illness,” says Dr. Nicola Mercer, Medical Officer of Health and CEO of Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health. “High summer temperatures can lead to serious health concerns like heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which can be life-threatening. It’s important to check in regularly with family, friends and neighbours, especially those who live alone, to make sure they are staying cool and well-hydrated.”
If you know someone who may be at a higher risk during extreme heat, use this helpful resource to guide your health checks: Health Checks During Extreme Heat Events.
For more tips, visit Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public health’s Extreme Heat webpage.
Media Contact
Chuck Ferguson
Communications Manager
1-800-265-7293 ext. 4374
Chuck.ferguson@wdgpublichealth.ca