Peterborough Public Health Issues First Heat Warning of the Season
Written by Comms Team, July 4, 2023
Today Peterborough Public Health is issuing the first Heat Warning of the season. A heat event is expected to affect the local area starting today and into Thursday. Daytime temperatures will reach 30 degrees C on Tuesday and Wednesday with a humidex expected to reach high thirties on both days. Slightly cooler temperatures are expected overnight.
While extreme heat can put everyone at risk, health risks are greatest for people experiencing homelessness, older adults, infants and young children, those taking certain medications or with certain conditions such as respiratory, cardiac and psychiatric conditions, and outdoor workers. Peterborough Public Health encourages all stakeholders to advise at-risk clients of the heat warning and precautions they can take to prevent and manage heat-related illness. If you are taking medication or have a health condition, ask your healthcare provider if it increases your health risk in the heat and follow their recommendations.
Julie Ingram, Manager of Environmental Health stresses that residents need to take extreme heat events seriously and not to underestimate the potential impact they can have. “The heat dome experienced in British Columbia during summer 2021 tragically, killed close to 600 people,” said Ingram. “Many of these individuals were elderly. Many individuals died after overheating in their own home. During a heat event, if you can, check on your friends, family and neighbours who may be more susceptible to the impacts of extreme heat.”
One Roof Community Centre will extend its hours of service to 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. One Roof Community Centre provides services on behalf of the City of Peterborough and is located at 99 Brock Street. For full description of meals and other services that One Roof provides, please visit its website at www.oneroofptbo.ca.
Peterborough Public Health continues beach water testing throughout the City and County of Peterborough and at Curve Lake and Hiawatha First Nations. Results are regularly updated at www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca. There are also numerous splash pads that are open and operating around the City and County of Peterborough.
Outdoor water bottle filling stations are available at City facilities in the following locations:
- Quaker Foods City Square, 215 Charlotte St.
- Eastgate Park, 2150 Ashburnham Dr.
- Peterborough Marina, 92 George St. N.
Members of the public are also able to refill a water bottle inside the following City facilities during hours of operation:
- Peterborough Public Library, 345 Aylmer St.
- Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre, 775 Brealey Dr.
- Healthy Planet Arena, 911 Monaghan Rd.
- Kinsmen Civic Centre, 1 Kinsmen Way
People suffer heat-related illnesses when their body temperature quickly rises, and they are unable to cool themselves. 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 911 or go to the Emergency Department.
Heat illnesses include heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat fainting, heat edema (swelling of hands, feet, and ankles), heat rash, and heat cramps. Watch for symptoms of heat illness, which may include:
- heavy sweating;
- muscle cramps and/or headache;
- weakness, dizziness, or fainting;
- nausea or vomiting;
- paleness, tiredness;
- rapid breathing and heartbeat;
- extreme thirst; or
- decreased urination with unusually dark yellow urine.
If you experience any of these, you should immediately move to a cool place and drink water.
How to Protect Yourself During Hot Weather:
- Drink lots of water even if you don’t feel very thirsty. Avoid alcoholic beverages, coffee and cola.
- Avoid going out in the direct sun or heat when possible. If you go outside, rest frequently in green spaces with lots of shade and plan to go out early in the morning or in the evening when it is cooler.
- Use an air conditioner if possible, and if you don’t have air conditioning, keep shades or drapes drawn and blinds closed on the sunny side of your home, but keep windows slightly open.
- Wear loose fitting, light clothing and a wide brimmed hat.
- Keep lights off or turned down low.
- Take a cool bath or shower periodically or cool down with cold, wet towels.
- Avoid heavy meals and using your oven.
- Avoid intense or moderately intense physical activity.
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, Conservation & Park’s website www.airqualityontario.com and plan outdoor activities accordingly.
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For further information, please contact:
Media Relations
Media@peterboroughpublichealth.ca