Hastings and Prince Edward Counties / September 5, 2023– Hastings Prince Edward Public Health is advising residents of Hastings and Prince Edward Counties of hot and humid weather continuing over the next couple of days.
A heat warning issued by Environment Canada advises that a heat event is expected to continue in Hastings Prince Edward Counties today and tomorrow.
Maximum temperatures are expected to be near thirty with humidex values expected to reach near forty. Cooler temperatures and relief from humidity are expected on Thursday.
All residents are advised that extremely hot weather can lead to heat-related illnesses. Watch for symptoms of heat exhaustion, which include skin rash, muscle cramps, swelling of hands, feet and ankles, heavy sweating, dizziness, headache or fainting, nausea or vomiting, rapid breathing and heartbeat, extreme thirst, and decreased urination with unusually dark yellow urine.
If you experience any of these symptoms during a heat event, immediately move to a cool place and drink non-alcoholic, decaffeinated liquids. Water is the best liquid to drink. During hot weather, make efforts to check in with neighbours, friends, and older family members frequently, especially those at higher risk, to make sure that they are cool and hydrated.
For additional information about extreme heat, review the Fact Sheet below, or visit the Government of Canada’s Extreme Heat webpage. For information on the status of the current heat warning please visit www.weather.gc.ca.
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Media Contacts:
Jessica Klein, Communications Specialist
jklein@hpeph.ca
HPEPH Communications Team
communications@hpeph.ca
About Hastings Prince Edward Public Health
Hastings Prince Edward Public Health (HPEPH) is a public health agency that serves the counties of Hastings and Prince Edward from four local offices. HPEPH is situated and provides services on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe, Huron-Wendat and Haudenosaunee people. We monitor the health of our local population, deliver programs and services within our communities, and help develop healthy public policies. We provide information and support in many areas to help improve the health and well-being of our residents. Together with our communities, we help people become as healthy as they can be. For more information, please visit hpePublicHealth.ca. You can also find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram.
Heat Warnings – Fact Sheet
Environment and Climate Change Canada has developed a Heat Warning and Information System for Ontario to give advance warning of heat events. A heat warning is issued in southern Ontario when there will be 2 consecutive days of:
- 31°C or higher during the day AND 20°C or higher at night
OR
- Humidex* values of 40°C or higher
(*Humidex describes how hot and humid it feels to the average person.)
Heat events put everyone at risk from heat illnesses, but health risks are greatest for:
- older adults;
- infants and young children;
- people with chronic illnesses such as breathing difficulties or heart conditions;
- people who work or exercise in the heat;
- homeless people; and
- people without access to air conditioning.
Heat illnesses are preventable. During extreme heat, the most important thing is to keep cool and hydrated. Hastings Prince Edward Public Health recommends taking the following actions:
- stay well hydrated, drink before feeling thirsty (plain water is best);
- stay in an air-conditioned place (home, cooling centres);
- avoid sun exposure (stay in the shade, wear SPF30+ sunscreen, a wide brimmed hat, UVA & UVB protective sunglasses, and loose-fitting long shirts and pants);
- take cool showers or baths and close awnings, curtains or blinds during the day;
- reschedule strenuous outdoor activities or plan them for cooler times of the day; and
- never leave people or pets in a parked vehicle or direct sunlight.
