FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, August 8, 2016
Perth County ̶ The Perth District Health Unit is issuing an extended heat warning for Perth County beginning Tuesday, August 9. Temperatures and humidex levels are expected to be extreme for several days. The Health Unit is reminding people to take care to prevent heat-related illnesses.
Extreme heat can cause dehydration, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and even death. Seniors, infants and young children, and people with chronic illness or who take certain medications are at a greater risk of suffering from heat-related illness.
Staying safe during a heat wave is a community’s responsibility: be sure to check on your family, friends and neighbours whose health may be at risk during a heat event.
During a heat warning, residents and visitors should:
- Drink plenty of cool liquids, especially water
- Reschedule or plan outdoor activities during cooler parts of the day
- Wear loose fitting, light-coloured clothing made of breathable fabric
- Never leave people or pets inside a parked vehicle or in direct sunlight
- Take a break from the heat by spending a few hours in a cool place, such as a tree-shaded area, swimming facility, or an air conditioned spot, such as a public building, shopping mall, grocery store, or public library
- Take cool showers or baths until you feel refreshed
- Prepare meals that don’t need to be cooked in your 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 by using an umbrella.
For more information:
- On weather conditions:
- Visit https://weather.gc.ca/ or follow Environment Canada on Twitter @ECAlertON116 (Stratford) or @ECAlertON51 (North Perth)
- For information on staying healthy during heat events
- Call Health Line at 519-271-7600 ext 267 or toll-free at 1-877-271-7348 ext 267
- Visit www.pdhu.on.ca – Extreme Heat
- Follow the Health Unit on Facebook and Twitter