Extended Heat Warning for City of Hamilton for August 11, 2016
HAMILTON, ON – August 10, 2016 - The Medical Officer of Health for the City of Hamilton has called an Extended Heat Warning effective for the day of August 11, 2016.
Hot and humid conditions are expected to persist through Friday, with daytime high temperatures between 31°C and 35°C. Warm overnight lows will fail to provide much of a break from the heat. There is a chance of thunderstorms Thursday and Friday, but it too will fail to provide much relief from the heat and high humidity.
Slightly cooler temperatures are then expected for the weekend.
The City of Hamilton and participating community agencies are responding to the heat by offering “cool places” to go to during all stages of a heat event. 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, Free Admission will be available for all Public Swims, Family Swims, Adult Swims and Seniors Swims at all indoor and outdoor pools. Schedules can be found at www.hamilton.ca/recreation
- Wading pools will close, except Dundas Driving Park.
- All Supie programs are suspended.
- The Salvation Army has launched its mobile water distribution response and is distributing water to citizens in need of hydration.
The combination of temperature and humidity can impair the cooling effect of sweating, and increase the risk of heat-related illness. People who are elderly, or have chronic illnesses, mobility problems, are taking certain medications, or spend much of their time alone, along with infants, pre-school children, and those exercising or working vigorously outdoors are most vulnerable to the effects of heat and humidity.
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. When the temperature is cooler outside than inside; 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.
For tips on coping with the heat and places where to cool off, the public can contact 905-546-2489 Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm or go to www.hamilton.ca/heat. Heat information is available online in 13 languages.