Thursday, September 04, 2014
Elgin St Thomas Public Health
Elgin St Thomas Public Health: Notification of Extreme Temperatures
The Acting Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Malcolm Lock, has issued the first 2014 heat alert for Elgin County, based on the issuance of a Heat Warning by Environment Canada for most of southern Ontario, including Elgin County, on Friday September 5th.
Environment Canada is forecasting that temperatures are expected to climb into the thirties resulting in humidex readings of at least 40 during the mid afternoon on Friday September 5th.
A change in the weather pattern is expected overnight on Friday resulting in a drop of both temperature and humidity.
It is of concern that the citizens of Elgin County, especially those living in apartments or homes without air conditioning, need to seek relief from the heat. We need to protect those most at risk such as the elderly, those with suppressed immune systems, babies, and the homeless.
Anyone experiencing adverse side effects because of the heat should call 911 or go to an Emergency Department.
In the summer, the combination of high heat and high humidity can be very dangerous.
To avoid heat-related illness, please follow these tips:
- Drink lots of water and natural juices even if you don’t feel very thirsty. Remember to drink sips of water and juices over the entire day.
- Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages, coffee and cola.
- Avoid going out in the blazing sun or heat when possible. If you must go outside, stay in the shade as much as possible. Plan any necessary outdoor activities in early morning or evening.
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat outdoors.
- Keep window shades or drapes drawn and blinds closed on the sunny side of your home.
- Keep electric lights off or turned down low.
- Take a cool bath or shower periodically or cool down with cool, wet towels.
- Wear loose fitting, light clothing.
- Avoid eating heavy meals and using your oven.
- Avoid intense or moderately intense physical activity.
- Never leave a child or pet in a parked car or sleeping outside in direct sunlight.
- Fans alone may not provide enough cooling when the temperature is high.
- Consult your doctor or pharmacist regarding the side effects of your medications.
- Reduce use of the car, stop unnecessary vehicle idling; avoid use of oil-based paints and glues, pesticides, and gas-powered small engines.
Get help from a friend, relative or a doctor if you have the following symptoms of heat-related illness:
- Rapid breathing
- Weakness or fainting
- More tiredness than usual
- Headache
- Confusion
Friends and relatives can help someone with heat illness by doing the following:
- Call for help
- Remove excess clothing from the person
- Cool the person with lukewarm water, by sponging or bathing
- Move the person to a cooler location
- Give the person sips of cool water, not ice cold water
Check with your local municipality for information about local cooling stations and other services during these extreme temperature conditions.
Media Contacts:
Jim Reffle
Manager
Health Protection Programs
519-631-9900 ext 1277
Catherine Preete
Public Health Inspector
Health Protection Programs
519-631-9900 ext 1275
|