A HEAT ALERT has been issued by Lambton’s Medical Officer of Health based on the latest forecast from Environment Canada which expects Humidex values of near 40 degrees during the afternoon hours on Saturday and Sunday.
The alert will remain in effect until Monday morning when conditions are expected to ease.
While heat affects everyone, the following groups are more vulnerable:
older adults
infants and young children
people with chronic illnesses
people working outdoors
low income earners and the homeless
People taking medication for a health condition should talk with their healthcare provider about the increased health risks in extreme heat and follow their recommendations.
Heat-related illnesses can lead to long-term health problems or even death.
Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related illness that may develop after several days of exposure to high temperatures and inadequate replacement of fluids. Symptoms include heavy sweating, cool, moist skin, paleness and a fast, weak pulse. Fatigue, weakness, dizziness, and muscle cramps may also indicate heat exhaustion.
Heat stroke is very dangerous. It occurs when the body is unable to control its temperature, and core body temperature rises rapidly. Symptoms include complete or partial loss of consciousness or confusion, dizziness, headache, nausea, high body temperature, red, hot and dry skin (no sweating) and a strong, rapid pulse. If someone has these symptoms, call 911 immediately.
Lambton Public Health reminds everyone that heat-related illness is preventable:
Limit time outdoors between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Avoid direct sunlight and seek shade.
Drink lots of water, even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid drinks with alcohol and caffeine.
Avoid moderate to intense physical activity. Reschedule or plan outdoor activities to a cooler time of the day.
When outside, wear light, loose clothes, wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
Keep your house cool. Draw blinds, avoid using the oven and let cooler air in at night.
If you do not have air conditioning in your home, go to a mall, library or community centre, or visit a designated cooling centre location.
Check on children, seniors, persons with disabilities and individuals with chronic illness. Make sure they are cool and hydrated.
Never leave anyone, including pets, in a closed, parked vehicle. Pets need access to a cool place and fresh water.
Cooling Centre Locations
In addition to malls, libraries, recreation centres and similar facilities, the following air-conditioned locations are available for the public seeking relief from the heat.
Please note these locations are open during normal hours of operation only.
| Brooke-Alvinston:
Brooke-Alvinston Municipal Office 3236 River St., Alvinston Monday-Friday: 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Closed weekends Dawn-Euphemia: Dawn-Euphemia Municipal Office 4591 Lambton Line, Rutherford Monday-Friday: 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Closed weekends Petrolia: Oil Heritage District Community Centre 360 Tank St., Petrolia Monday-Friday: 6 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday & Sunday: 8 a.m.-9 p.m. Lambton Shores: Forest – The Shores Recreation Centre 7883 Amtelecom Parkway, Forest Every day: 8:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Thedford – Legacy (Community Centre) 16 Allen St., Thedford Every day: 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. |
Sarnia:
West Lambton Community Health Centre 429 Exmouth St., Sarnia Monday: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday: 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Closed weekends The Inn of the Good Shepherd 115 John St., Sarnia Monday-Friday: 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Closed weekends Good Shepherd’s Lodge 950 Confederation St., Sarnia Every day: 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. St. Clair Township: Moore Sports Complex 1166 Emily St., Mooretown Monday-Friday: 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Closed weekends |
