Things are expected to stay hot for the time being.
Halton Region Public Health has issued an Extended Heat Warning for Halton Region as a result of Environment Canada continuing its Heat Warning. An Extended Heat Warning is issued when the daytime temperatures are expected to reach at least 31 degrees Celsius with overnight temperatures above 20 degrees Celsius for three or more days, or when the humidex is expected to reach 40 for three or more days. Exposure to these weather conditions can cause serious health problems. This warning is intended to inform the general public and community agencies, to keep residents safe and healthy during the heat and to recommend that precautions are taken when temperatures are high.
Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Call 911 if someone has a high body temperature and is unconscious, confused or has stopped sweating. Cool the person as best you can while waiting for medical attention to arrive.
Depending on operating hours, some of the locations that provided relief from heat such as libraries and community centres may not be open. Therefore, it is extremely important that you check-in regularly, by phone or video, with vulnerable family, friends and neighbours, especially seniors who live on their own, to make sure they are staying cool and hydrated. This includes:
- older adults (over the age of 65), infants and young children, people who work and exercise in the heat, people without adequate housing and those without air conditioning
- people who have breathing difficulties, heart problems, kidney problems or are taking medication that increase their heat-health risk
If phone or video is not possible, when checking-in with vulnerable individuals, remember to practice physical distancing and wash your hands regularly. If physical distancing is difficult to maintain, wear a non-medical mask.
For information and tips on how to protect your health during heat warnings, including a listing of air conditioned locations in Halton, visit the Heat Warning webpage at halton.ca or call 311.
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