Yesterday’s hot temperatures and Environment Canada’s forecast met the Middlesex-London Health Unit’s threshold for issuing a two-day Heat Alert for Sunday and Monday. Now, with an updated forecast that calls for temperatures to reach a high of 31º Celsius, a humidex of 39 and a very high UV index, the Health Unit is extending the current heat alert into Tuesday. The Alert will remain in effect until tomorrow night when rain and thunderstorms will cause temperatures to drop below the Health Unit’s threshold.
“With the high heat and humidity expected over the next two days, it is important to check on neighbours, friends and family who might be more vulnerable to this heat,” says Randy Walker, Public Health Inspector with the Middlesex-London Health Unit. “Building management companies should be mindful and check on elderly residents or those who do not have air conditioning in their units. Administrators who manage buildings without air conditioning may also want to consider setting up indoor cooling rooms during these high temperature events, with COVID-19 precautions in place, such as masking and physical distancing.”
If you’re planning to head indoors to cool off during the high heat and humidity expected over the next two days, the Health Unit recommends continuing to follow public health guidance to limit the potential spread of COVID-19. This includes wearing a mask, especially indoors where physical distancing cannot be maintained; maintaining a six-foot physical distance from others; cleaning your hands frequently and adhering to indoor gathering limits of only five people. If spending time indoors, ensure that everyone is fully vaccinated. In addition, the Health Unit suggests the following tips to avoid potential heat-related illnesses:
• Drink plenty of water and natural juices throughout the day, even if you don't feel very thirsty. Remember to take sips often and not to guzzle your drink.
• Never leave a child or pet in a parked car or sleeping outside in direct sunlight.
• Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages, as well as coffee and cola.
• When possible, avoid spending too much time outdoors. If you must be outside, seek shade as much as possible. Plan outdoor activities in the early morning or evening.
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat when outdoors.
• Keep shades or drapes drawn and blinds closed on the sunny side of your home.
• Avoid turning on electric lights in your home.
• Take a cool bath or shower periodically or cool down with cool, wet towels.
• Wear loose fitting, light clothing.
• Avoid eating heavy meals and using your oven.
• Avoid intense or moderately intense physical activity.
• Use fans to draw cool air at night, but do not rely on a fan as a primary cooling device during extended periods of excessive heat.
• Reduce the use of personal vehicles, stop unnecessary idling; avoid using oil-based paints and glues, pesticides and gas-powered small engines.
Visit: www.healthunit.com/extreme-heat for more information on heat-related illness.
Media Contact:
Dan Flaherty, Communications Manager, Middlesex-London Health Unit,
519-617-0570 (cell.)
Spokesperson:
Randy Walker, Public Health Inspector, Middlesex-London Health Unit