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Heat Alert declared for Toronto
Based on information from Environment Canada, Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health has issued a Heat Alert for Toronto today. The Heat Alert will be in effect until further notice.
During a Heat Alert, the public is encouraged to call or visit family, friends and neighbours, especially isolated adults and seniors who are at greater risk of suffering from heat-related illness, to make sure they are cool and drinking plenty of fluids. Other groups at risk include people with chronic illnesses, individuals with limited mobility or certain mental health illnesses, infants and young children, people on certain medications, and those who are homeless.
Members of the public are advised to beat the heat by taking these precautions:
• Drink lots of cool water even before you feel thirsty.
• Go to air-conditioned places, including shopping malls or one of many local libraries or community centres located in each neighbourhood.
• Take cool showers or baths or use cool wet towels to cool down.
• Wear loose, light-coloured, breathable clothing and, when outdoors, wear a
wide-brimmed hat.
• Avoid the sun and stay in the shade or use an umbrella.
• Reschedule or plan outdoor activities during the cooler parts of the day.
• Never leave seniors, children or pets unattended in a car.
Landlords of buildings without air conditioning are encouraged to provide a dedicated cooling room for vulnerable residents to escape the heat. Community agencies are encouraged to educate clients on the risks of heat-related illness and to call or check on those clients at increased risk of heat-related illness during alerts.
When an alert is declared, those who need assistance or have heat-related inquiries may call 311.
Air pollution often increases during hot weather conditions. People with heart and lung conditions, and seniors and children should pay special attention to the hourly Air Quality Health Index levels and forecasts available at http://bitly.com/1neJmrP.
Heat Warning issued for York Region
Environment Canada has issued a Heat Warning for York Region. The Regional Municipality of York advises the public to take extra precautions to stay safe in the heat.
Should the Heat Warning continue into Wednesday, York Region may issue an Extreme Heat Warning.
Everyone is at risk from extreme heat, especially older adults, infants and young children, people who work or exercise in the heat and those with certain medical conditions. Warning signs of heat-related illness include dizziness, headache, nausea or vomiting, weakness and confusion. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention. Also remember to check on friends, family and neighbours.
Heat-related illnesses are preventable!
Staying cool, hydrated and reducing outdoor physical activity are the best ways to beat the heat during hot and humid weather.
Find ways to stay cool
· Stay indoors in cool, well-ventilated areas
· Wear loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing made of breathable fabric
· If you do not have air conditioning in your home, go to places that do, including shopping malls, local libraries, public pools and community centres
· When using fans, keep a window or door open to bring in cooler air from outside
· Never leave people or pets inside a parked vehicle or in direct sunlight
Drink extra fluids
· Drink plenty of cool liquids, especially water before feeling thirsty
· Increase your fluid intake regardless of your level of activity
Reduce physical activity, especially in the full sun
· If you must be outdoors in the heat, rest frequently to allow your body temperature to cool down
· Avoid sun exposure by wearing a wide-brimmed, breathable hat or use an umbrella
· Reschedule or plan outdoor activities during cooler parts of the day
· Reduce sun exposure between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. or when the UV Index is three or higher
· Wear sunscreen with SPF of 30 or higher
For more information on this Heat Warning, please visit york.ca/extremeheat follow York Region on Twitter and Facebook, or contact York Region Health Connection at 1-800-361-5653 or TTY 1-866-252-9933.
（Sources: The City of Toronto; The Regional Municipality of York ）
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