HAMILTON, ON – July 27, 2015 – The Medical Officer of Health for the City of Hamilton has called a Heat Warning effective Monday July 27, 2015. A Stage 2 Heat Warning is issued when hot weather conditions are expected to last for 2 days.
Weather: A hot air mass is expected to move into southern Ontario today. Daytime highs in the low thirties are expected today with warm overnight minimum temperatures near 20 degrees. The hot weather conditions will likely continue into Thursday
Response: 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.
During a Stage 2 Heat Warning, regularly scheduled public, family, adult and senior swims are free of charge at City of Hamilton indoor and outdoor pools. When a Stage 2 Heat Warning is in effect on a Saturday or Sunday, free 6:00-8:00 p.m. swim times are also added at six city pools. Visit www.hamilton.ca/heat and check under ‘Stage 2 Heat Warning’ for a list of pools.
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 www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ewh-semt/pubs/climat/actue_care-soins_actifs/index-eng.php
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