More Heat is On the Way

Written by admin, July 20, 2016

June 20, 2016 – Peterborough Public Health Issues Third Heat Warning

Today Peterborough Public Health issued the third Heat Warning of the season.  The heat will arrive during the day Thursday, July 21 with highs of 31°C to 33°C in most places.   Friday, July 22 and Saturday, July 23 are also expected to be very warm, however, some areas could see some occasional relief due to the possibility of showers or thunderstorms.

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