Hamilton’s heat warning extended; here’s where you can cool down

Hamilton | Ontario | Latest News |

By

Published June 22, 2020 at 2:59 pm

Hamilton’s medical officer of health has initiated an extended heat warning Monday (June 22) morning.

Hamilton’s medical officer of health has initiated an extended heat warning Monday (June 22) morning.

A warm and increasingly humid airmass will continue Monday. According to Environment Canada, at times, the temperature will feel like mid-30s.

The weather agency says that Hot and humid air can also bring deteriorating air quality and can cause the air quality health index to approach the high-risk category.

The City of Hamilton and participating community agencies are responding to the heat by offering “cool places” to go during all stages of a heat event.

These locations can be identified by a “Cool Down Here” sign at the entrance.

During an Extended Heat Warning, these places are open for residents to cool off.

For indoor locations, access will only be provided to the designated cool place rooms, the city says and they are open from 11 am to 7 pm

Here’s where you can go in Hamilton to cool down:

  • Free spray pads
  • Beaches in Hamilton
  • Bernie Morelli Recreation Centre, 876 Cannon St E, Hamilton
  • Central Memorial Community Centre, 93 West Ave S, Hamilton
  • Flamborough Seniors Centre, 163 Dundas St E, Waterdown
  • Huntington Park Recreation Centre, 87 Brentwood Dr, Hamilton
  • Norman Pinky Lewis Recreation Centre, 192 Wentworth St N, Hamilton
  • Rosedale Arena & Senior Centre, 100 Greenhill Ave, Hamilton
  • Ryerson Recreation Centre, 251 Duke St, Hamilton
  • Sackville Hill Seniors’ Recreation Centre, 780 Upper Wentworth St, Hamilton
  • Stoney Creek Recreation Centre, 45 King St W, Stoney Creek
  • Westmount Recreation Centre, 35 Lynbrook Dr, Hamilton
  • Hamilton Central Library, 55 York Blvd, Hamilton
  • Valley Park Library, 1050 Paramount Dr, Unit 12, Stoney Creek

Residents attending these locations are asked to follow COVID-19 protocols to help prevent the spread of the virus:

  • Keeping 2 metres of physical distance between yourself and others who aren’t in your social circle
  • Screening for COVID-19 symptoms will occur at indoor locations
  • Wear a face covering or mask if you have one

Drinking water will also be available at most of these municipal facilities.

Hamilton’s Public Health Service offers the following suggestions to help avoid heat-related illnesses:

  • Drink plenty of water. Avoid drinking alcoholic and caffeinated beverages on hot days.
  • Go to an air-conditioned place. Visit a designated cool place listed on www.hamilton.ca/heat
  • Dress to protect from the heat. Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing. Wear a hat or take an umbrella to keep your head cool and don’t forget sunscreen.
  • Take it easy. Limit physical activities (walking, running, gardening, etc.) during the day. If rescheduling activities to dawn or dusk when it may be cooler, protect yourself with insect repellent as mosquitoes are more active at such times. Check labels to apply
  • Cool off. Take a cool bath or shower.
  • Keep your living space cool. Close your blinds or curtains. Open windows to let air circulate when using a fan.
  • Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles. Temperatures in a car can become life-threatening within minutes.
  • Check on your neighbours and family.

For more information on Heat Warnings and heat-related illnesses, visit the City’s website.

insauga's Editorial Standards and Policies advertising