Hot weather hits Stratford and area on Sunday and Huron Perth Public Health is encouraging residents to be prepared and to take precautions to prevent heat-related illnesses.
The multi-day ‘heat event’ will include high daytime temperatures and humidity.
It won’t be much cooler overnight, either.
According to HPPH, the risks are greatest for:
- older adults;
- infants and young children;
- people with chronic illnesses, such as breathing difficulties, heart conditions, or psychiatric illnesses;
- people who work in the heat;
- people who exercise in the heat;
- people experiencing homelessness; and
- people with low income (who may not have access to air conditioning).
Measures to protect yourself and others from over-exposure to extreme heat:
- Drink plenty of cool liquids, especially water, before you feel thirsty to decrease your risk of dehydration. You may be dehydrated before you start feeling thirsty.
- Reschedule or plan outdoor activities during cooler parts of the day.
- Wear loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing made of breathable fabric.
- Take a break from the heat by spending a few hours in a cool place, such as a tree-shaded area or air-conditioned space.
- Contact your municipality, visit your municipal website, or call 211 for hours and locations of any nearby cooling centres.
- Take cool showers or baths until you feel refreshed.
- Prepare meals that don’t need to be cooked in the oven.
- Block sun out by closing curtains or blinds during the day.
- Avoid sun exposure. Shade yourself by wearing a wide-brimmed, breathable hat or using an umbrella.
- Never leave people or pets inside a parked vehicle or in direct sunlight.
- Check in on neighbours, friends and older family members, especially those with chronic illness, to make sure they are cool and hydrated.
