Second Heat Alert of the Summer Issued

Written by admin, July 27, 2015

July 27, 2015 – The Peterborough Public Health is issuing another Heat Alert for the City and County of Peterborough, and Curve Lake and Hiawatha First Nations.  The alert is issued for Monday, July 27 and will remain in effect until further notice.

This Heat Alert is being issued as the daytime temperatures are forecast to be at least 30 C today and 31 C for Tuesday while the humidex is expected to reach 36 for both days.  Weather forecasters are anticipating this heatwave will extend until Thursday, July 30.  Depending on changes to the weather forecast over the next few days, the Heat Alert may be elevated to a Heat Warning or lifted.

Extreme heat events are a potentially significant health risk and can have a severe impact on the health of vulnerable populations including infants, the elderly, shut-ins, persons with chronic diseases, the morbidly obese and the marginally housed.  Heat related illnesses such as dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke are preventable.

“The elderly are some of the most vulnerable when it comes to the heat, especially if they are experiencing a chronic illness such as a heart condition,” explains Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health. “It is vital to check on family, friends and neighbours to ensure they are remaining cool and are properly hydrated.”

If your home does not have air conditioning then you can visit a public building such as a library, community centre or shopping centre. In addition, avoid cooking in an oven to keep the temperature in your home down. Closing your blinds is another effective method of keeping the sun out, and keeping the temperature down.

Extreme heat is often accompanied by poor air quality.  The Public Health would like to encourage residents to monitor the Air Quality Health Index found as a link on the Ministry of the Environment & Climate Change’s webpage and plan outdoor activities accordingly www.airqualityontario.com.

Public, air conditioned facilities such as malls, libraries and community centres are available to city and county residents seeking a place to cool off. Residents are advised to phone in advance to determine hours of operation.

 

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For further information, please contact:

Brittany Cadence
Communications Supervisor
705-743-1000, ext. 391