Fifth Heat Warning of the Season  

Written by admin, August 8, 2016

August 8, 2016 – High Temperatures Expected August 9 to 12

Today Peterborough Public Health issued the fifth Heat Warning of the season.  The heat will arrive Tuesday August 9 and continue into the evening of Friday August 12.  Daytime temperatures are expected to be 31C or greater and minimum temperatures are expected to be near or above 22C providing very little overnight relief from the heat and humidity.  Humidex values will reach the upper 30s to low 40s each day during this heat event.

Peterborough Public Health recommends these tips for staying cool at home:

• Keep blinds or drapes closed to block out the sun during the day

• Make meals that don’t use an oven, especially if you don’t have air conditioning

• Unplug electronics and turn off lights when not in use

• Use fans properly:
  • Place fans in or next to a window to bring in the cooler air from outside or
  • Place a bowl of ice in front of fans to cool air

Please remember to call or visit family, friends and neighbours, especially seniors who live on their own, to make sure they are not showing signs of heat-related illness.  Heat-related illnesses such as dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke are preventable. The risk of heat-related illness increases with the amount of time spent in the heat, the temperature and an individual’s sensitivity to heat. If you feel faint, find it hard to breathe, or feel confused and disoriented because of the heat, call your doctor. In an emergency, call 911.

Peterborough Public Health issues warnings for high heat or humidity that is expected to last two or more days.  Peterborough Public Health follows a provincial Harmonized Heat Warning and Information System for dealing with heat events affecting Curve Lake and Hiawatha First Nations, and the City and County of Peterborough.

Extreme heat is often accompanied by poor air quality.  Peterborough Public Health encourages you to monitor the Air Quality Health Index found as a link on the Ministry of the Environment & Climate Change’s website www.airqualityontario.com and plan outdoor activities accordingly.

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For further information, please contact:

Wanda Tonus
Public Health Inspector
705-743-1000, ext. 285