The Medical Officer of Health for the City of Hamilton has called a Heat Warning effective starting today.  

The Warning will remain in place until cancelled. In the event that the 40 humidex reading continues for 4 consecutive days, or the humidex reading is expected to be 45 or greater, the Medical Officer will issue a Heat Alert (Stage 3).

 The City of Hamilton and participating community agencies are responding to the heat by offering “cool places” to go at all 3 stages. They can be identified by a “Cool Down Here” sign at their entrances, along with a heat meter sign, which indicates which stage we are at. As part of the heat response plan, the City’s outdoor pools will also have extended operating hours.

 Risk of heat-related illness can be reduced by following these recommendations:

•  Drink plenty of water
• Avoid drinking alcoholic and caffeinated beverages on hot days.
• Go to an air-conditioned place
• Visit a cool place such as a mall, public recreation centres, public libraries, and other City run air-conditioned facilities, etc.
• Dress to protect from the heat
• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light coloured clothing. Wear a hat or take an umbrella to keep your head cool and don’t forget sunscreen.
• Take it easy
• Limit physical activities (walking, running, gardening, etc.) during the day.
• If rescheduling activities to dawn or dusk when it may be cooler, protect yourself with insect repellent as mosquitoes are more active at such times. Check labels to apply.
• Cool off
• Take a cool bath or shower.
• Keep your living space cool
• Close your blinds or curtains.
• Open windows to let air circulate when using a fan.
• Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles
• Temperatures in a car can become life threatening within minutes.
• Check on your neighbours and family

Signs of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, weakness, cold, pale and clammy skin; weak pulse, fainting and vomiting. If experiencing symptoms, seek help right away – call 911 if needed. For more information on how heat affects human health, see Health Canada’s website at http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/environ/heat-chaleur-eng.php. 

 For tips on coping with the heat and places where to cool off, the public can contact 905-546-CITY (2489) Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or go to www.hamilton.ca/heat. Heat information online is available in several accessible formats and in 13 languages.