An extreme heat warning has been issued by the public health unit that serves Northumberland County.
The Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge District Heath Unit says heat-related illnesses such as dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke can be dangerous especially for infants, older adults, and people with chronic disease.
Manager of Health Protection Bernie Mayer says it’s important not to overdo things, drink plenty of water, and seek cool places.
In a statement, the health unit offers the following advice advice:
During any heat wave, the Health Unit advises people to:
• Avoid going out in the sun or heat when possible.
• Stay cool, and if possible, stay in an air–conditioned place. If your home does not have air conditioning, seek a
cool public location such as a municipal cooling center to cool down while following COVID–19 prevention rules.
To see if there is a cooling centre in your community, contact your local municipality.
• When outdoors, stay in the shade as much as possible. If you plan to go outside during a very hot day, do so
early in the morning or evening when it is cooler.
• Avoid outdoor sports and physical activity.
• Wear loose–fitting, light clothing and a wide brimmed hat.
• Drink lots of water, even if you don’t feel very thirsty. Avoid alcohol, coffee/tea and pop.
• Check in regularly with vulnerable family, friends, neighbours and others who could be affected by the heat.
These include children, older adults, and persons with chronic illnesses. Make sure they are OK and are well–
hydrated.
• Eat light, cool foods, and avoid heavy meals that involve using the oven or other hot appliances.
• Keep shades, drapes and blinds closed on the sunny side of your home, but keep windows open slightly. If you
do not have air conditioning, use fans.
• Keep lights off or turned low.
• Take a cool bath or shower periodically, or cool down with cool, wet towels.
• Never leave a child or pet in a closed, parked vehicle.
