Hamilton’s medical officer of health extends heat warning
Published July 3, 2020 at 8:25 pm
The Medical Officer of Health for the City of Hamilton has initiated an Extended Heat Warning beginning on Saturday (July 4).
The Medical Officer of Health for the City of Hamilton has initiated an Extended Heat Warning beginning on Saturday (July 4).
According to Environment Canada, daytime high temperatures in excess of 30-degrees Celsius, with humidex values in the high thirties to low forties, are expected for the foreseeable future.
Overnight lows near 20 degrees Celsius are also expected through this period, providing little relief from the heat.
Hamilton’s Public Health Services (PHS) notes that hot and humid air can also bring deteriorating air quality and can result in the Air Quality Health Index approaching the high-risk category.
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The City of Hamilton is operating “cool places” open to the public during all stages of a heat event. For more information regarding locations operating as cool places, please visit the city’s website.
Signs of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, weakness, cold, pale and clammy skin, weak pulse, fainting and vomiting, PHS said in a press release. If experiencing symptoms, seek help right away – call 9-1-1 of needed.
PHS offers the following tips to help reduce your risk of heat-related illness:
- 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 repellant 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.