Hastings Prince Edward Public Health is issuing a heat warning to advise residents of Hastings and Prince Edward Counties of the predicted prolonged hot and humid weather starting on the Civic Holiday long weekend. According to Environment Canada, the hot weather conditions will start Sunday, August 5, 2018 and persist until Tuesday August 7, 2018. Daytime high temperatures are anticipated to be in the low to mid-30s; overnight low temperatures may not go below 20 degrees Celsius.
An extreme heat event can lead to adverse health effects. Heat illnesses include heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat fainting, heat edema (swelling of hands, feet and ankles), heat rash and heat cramps (muscle cramps).
Environment and Climate Change Canada issues a heat warning in Southern Ontario when there will be 2 consecutive days of: 31°C or more (day time) and 20°C or more (night time) or humidex values of 40°C or more. Humidex values describe how the hot and humid weather feels to the average person. It combines the temperature and humidity readings into one number to reflect the perceived temperature. The higher the humidex, the harder it is for perspiration to evaporate to cool the body.
Heat events put everyone at risk from heat illnesses, but health risks are greatest for:
older adults;
infants and young children;
people with chronic illnesses such as breathing difficulties or heart conditions;
people who work or exercise in the heat;
homeless people; and
people without access to air conditioning.
Watch for symptoms of heat illness, which include:
dizziness, headache or fainting;
nausea or vomiting;
rapid breathing and heartbeat;
extreme thirst; and
decreased urination with unusually dark yellow urine.
If you experience any of these symptoms during a heat event, immediately move to a cool place and drink liquids. Water is best.
Heat illnesses are preventable. During extreme heat, the most important thing is to keep cool and hydrated. Hastings Prince Edward Public Health recommends taking the following actions:
stay well hydrated, drink before feeling thirsty (plain water is best);
stay in an air-conditioned place (home, shopping mall, recreational facilities);
avoid sun exposure (stay in the shade, wear SPF30+ sunscreen, a wide brimmed hat, UVA & UVB protective sunglasses, and loose-fitting long shirts and pants);
take cool showers or baths;
block the sun out by closing awnings, curtains or blinds during the day;
reschedule strenuous outdoor activities or plan them for cooler times of the day; and
never leave people or pets in a parked vehicle or direct sunlight.
Hastings Prince Edward Public Health encourages people to visit neighbours, friends, and older family members frequently, especially those at higher risk, to make sure that they are cool and hydrated.
