High Heat
Niagara Region Public Health and Emergency Services does not issue heat warnings.
How heat warnings are issued
Environment and Climate Change Canada issues heat warnings for Niagara when:
- Two or more consecutive days of daytime maximum temperatures are expected to reach 31°C or warmer
- Nighttime minimum temperatures are expected to fall to 20°C or warmer
- Two or more consecutive days of humidex values are expected to reach 40 or higher
Risks during a heat warning
During heat warnings, everyone is at risk, but those most at risk of developing a heat-related illness include:
- Infants and children
- Older adults
- People with chronic illnesses, such as breathing difficulties, heart conditions or psychiatric illness
- Pregnant women
- People who work in the heat
- People who exercise in the heat
- People experiencing homelessness
- Low-income earners
Heat related illnesses
A combination of high heat and high humidity can be dangerous.
Anyone who experiences physical distress because of extreme temperatures should get medical attention immediately, move to a cool place and drink liquids. Either call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
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Heat stroke
Symptoms include:
- Confusion
- Dizziness or fainting
- Nausea or vomiting
- Muscle swelling
- Heat disturbance
- Headache
- Rapid breathing and heartbeat
- Extreme thirst
- Decreased urination with unusually dark yellow urine
- Seizure, unconsciousness and / or coma
Heat stroke is a medical emergency!
Call 911 immediately if you are caring for someone, such as a neighbour, who has a high body temperature and is either unconscious, confused or has stopped sweating. While waiting for help, cool the person right away by:
- Moving them to a cool place, if you can.
- Applying cold water to large areas of the skin or clothing; and
- Fanning the person as much as possible.
-
Heat exhaustion
Symptoms include:
- Heavy sweating
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fainting
Seek medical attention if you feel your health and safety is at risk.
Hot weather relief
Many municipal recreational facilities are open to the public to get cool during extreme heat. This includes libraries and community centres. These are not emergency shelters with community supports and services.
For places to get cool and hours of operation, visit your city / town.
Protect yourself during a heat warning
Heat illnesses are preventable.
If you're taking medication or have a health condition, ask your doctor or pharmacist if it increases your health risk in the heat and follow their recommendations.
- Frequently visit neighbours, friends and older family members, especially those who are chronically ill to make sure they are cool and hydrated
- Drink plenty of cool liquids, especially water, before you feel thirsty to decrease your risk of dehydration. Thirst is not a good indicator of dehydration.
- 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 in your care inside a parked vehicle or in direct sunlight
- Take a break from the heat by spending a few hours in a cool place. It could be a tree-shaded area, swimming facility or an air-conditioned spot such as a public building, shopping mall, grocery store, place of worship, 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 using an umbrella.
- Exercise in an air-conditioned place or a cooler outdoor location, such as a tree-shaded area away from high traffic to avoid high levels of air pollution. Before heading out, see the Air Quality Health Index. Pollution levels tend to be higher on hot days.
Resources
© Niagara Region - 1815 Sir Isaac Brock Way, Thorold, ON, L2V 4T7 - Phone: 905-980-6000, Toll-free: 1-800-263-7215
