Environment Canada Issues Heat Warning, Cooling Centres Open

A heat event in our region is expected to begin today (Thursday, August 1) and continue through Friday, possibly into the weekend. A hot and humid airmass is expected to arrive today.

Maximum daytime temperatures of 30 to 32 degrees Celsius are expected, with humidex values near 40. Overnight minimum temperatures will be 19 to 21 degrees Celsius.

Extreme heat can affect everyone’s health. The health risks are greater for older adults, infants and young children, pregnant people, people with physical and/or mental illnesses, and people with disabilities or mobility issues.

Drink plenty of water regularly, even before you feel thirsty to decrease your risk of dehydration. Thirst is not a good indicator of dehydration. Never leave people, particularly children, or pets inside a parked vehicle. Heat warnings are issued when very high temperature or humidity conditions are expected to pose an elevated risk of heat illnesses, such as heat stroke or heat exhaustion.

The Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit advises people to take precautions during the hot and humid weather, including:

• Do not leave children, adults or pets in parked cars or sleeping outside in direct sunlight.

• Consult your doctor or pharmacist regarding the side effects of your medications.

• Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel very thirsty. Remember to take sips often and not to guzzle your drink. Learn more about hydration at unlockfood.ca.

• Eat foods that have high water content such as watermelon, grapes and oranges.

• Limit caffeinated beverages such as coffee and cola.

• Don’t skip meals, instead eat smaller amounts more often.

• Avoid going out in the blazing sun or heat. If you must go outside, stay in the shade as much as possible.

• Wear loose fitting, light clothing and a wide-brimmed hat when outdoors.

• Reduce the use of personal vehicles, stop unnecessary idling; avoid using oil-based paints and glues, pesticides and gas-powered small engines.

• Whenever possible go to an air-conditioned room or building.

• In your house, keep electric lights off or turned down low.

• Keep window shades or drapes drawn and blinds closed on the sunny side of your home.

• Use fans to draw cool air at night, but do not rely on a fan as a main cooling device during long periods of high heat and humidity.

• Take a cool bath or shower periodically or cool down with cool, wet towels.

• Visit a local splash pad.

• Visit a local beach. 

For more tips, visit: https://healthunit.org/hot-and-humid-weather/.

More information on how to deal with extreme heat can be found here: https://www.ontario.ca/page/extreme-heat. 

Cooling Centres

The Municipality of Mississippi Mills also has four Cooling Centres residents can access if they’re looking for relief from the heat:

• John Levi Community Centre in Almonte

• Stewart Community Centre in Pakenham

• Mississippi Mills Public Library – Almonte Branch

• Mississippi Mills Public Library – Pakenham Branch