HEAT ALERT issued by Lambton Public Health

From the Lambton Public Health Unit

With the prediction of hot and humid weather for the remainder of the day, Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued a Heat Warning for Lambton County. In high temperatures and humidity, your body may not be able to cool properly which can lead to heat exhaustion or even heat stroke.

The warning will remain in effect until tonight when conditions are expected to ease.

A heat warning is issued when two consecutive days are forecasted to have a daytime high temperature greater than or equal to 31⁰C and a nighttime temperature greater than or equal to 20⁰C or a humidex greater than 40⁰C.

Heat-related Illness

“The elderly, very young and people with chronic illnesses are at higher risk of heat-related illness,” said Dr. Sudit Ranade, Medical Officer of Health. “However, even healthy people can be affected if they participate in strenuous activities and do not take precautions.”

Symptoms of heat-related illness may include: rapid breathing, dizziness or fainting, vomiting, rapid heartbeat, extreme thirst and decreased urination with unusually dark yellow urine. If anyone has these symptoms, Lambton Public Health suggests the following to cool off as soon as possible: move to a shaded or air conditioned area, drink plenty of fluids, and rest. Contact your health care provider, a family member or friend.

Heat strokes are considered a medical emergency. Call 911 immediately if you are caring for someone who has a high body temperature, is unconscious, confused or has stopped sweating. Friends, family and neighbours should check on those who may be vulnerable and who may need help keeping cool or taking other preventative actions.

Heat-related illness is preventable:

• Drink plenty of fluids, especially water;
• Seek cooler or air conditioned spaces, such as a shopping mall, library, community centre or designated cooling centre locations;
• Avoid strenuous activities between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. when the sun’s rays are strongest. Reschedule outdoor activities to a cooler time of day.
• Avoid going out in the sun, if possible. If you are outdoors, seek shade and wear sunscreen. Wear light-weight, loose fitting clothing and sunglasses;
• If you are taking medication or have a health condition, ask your health care provider if it increases your health risk in the heat and follow their recommendations;
• Check on elderly family members, neighbours, persons with disabilities, and persons with chronic illnesses daily to make sure they are keeping cool and hydrated;
• Take cool showers or baths, or use cool, wet towels on your face, neck or arms;
• The use of a fan alone may not provide enough relief from the heat. Avoid heavy meals and using your oven. Keep curtains closed to block the sun during the day; ….More
• Never leave anyone or pets in a parked car. Pets need a cool place and fresh water.

New Heat Warning and Information System

Lambton Public Health has adopted a new, two-level, region-specific heat warning system to inform Lambton County residents of impending hot weather episodes. “This is a harmonized heat alert/warning system for Ontario based on region-specific relationships between health effects and heat,” said Paul Buttery, Environmental Health Specialist with Lambton Public Health. “The only noticeable change may be the number of warnings issued.”

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.