Peterborough Public Health Issues Second Heat Warning of the Season
/Peterborough Public Health (PPH) has issued the second heat warning of the season that started Monday and is expected to continue into Thursday.
Daytime temperatures could reach between 29 – 34C according to PPH. Tuesday and Wednesday have an expected humidex near forty on both days. Slightly cooler temperatures are expected overnight.
PPH reminds the public that while extreme heat can put everyone at risk, health risks are greatest for people experiencing homelessness, older adults, infants and young children, those taking certain medications or with certain conditions such as respiratory, cardiac and psychiatric conditions and outdoor workers.
Anyone taking medication or having a health condition is urged to ask their healthcare provider if it increases their health risk in the heat and follow their recommendations.
Community Services:
One Roof Community Centre will extend its hours of service on Tuesday and Wednesday this week and will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. One Roof Community Centre provides services on behalf of the City of Peterborough and is located at 99 Brock St.
Peterborough Public Health continues to test beach water at the two beaches located within the City of Peterborough. Splash pads are extending operations until Monday.
Outdoor water bottle filling stations are available at City facilities in the following locations:
Quaker Foods City Square, 215 Charlotte St.
Eastgate Park, 2150 Ashburnham Dr.
Peterborough Marina, 92 George St. N.
Members of the public are also able to refill a water bottle inside the following City facilities during hours of operation:
Peterborough Public Library, 345 Aylmer St.
Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre, 775 Brealey Dr.
Healthy Planet Arena, 911 Monaghan Rd.
Kinsmen Civic Centre, 1 Kinsmen Way
Health Risks:
According to the PPH, people suffer heat-related illnesses when their body temperature quickly rises, and they are unable to cool themselves. The risk of heat-related illness increases with the amount of time spent in the heat, the temperature and an individual’s sensitivity to heat. If you feel faint, find it hard to breathe, or feel confused and disoriented because of the heat, PPH urges anyone to call 911 or go to the Emergency Department.
Heat illnesses include heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat fainting, heat edema (swelling of hands, feet, and ankles), heat rash, and heat cramps.
Watch for symptoms of heat illness, which may include:
heavy sweating;
muscle cramps and/or headache;
weakness, dizziness, or fainting;
nausea or vomiting;
paleness, tiredness;
rapid breathing and heartbeat;
extreme thirst; or
decreased urination with unusually dark yellow urine.
If you experience any of these, you should immediately move to a cool place and drink water.
How to Protect Yourself During Hot Weather:
Drink lots of water even if you don’t feel very thirsty. Avoid alcoholic beverages, coffee and cola.
Avoid going out in the direct sun or heat when possible. If you go outside, rest frequently in green spaces with lots of shade and plan to go out early in the morning or in the evening when it is cooler.
Use an air conditioner if possible, and if you don’t have air conditioning, keep shades or drapes drawn and blinds closed on the sunny side of your home, but keep windows slightly open.
Wear loose-fitting, light clothing and a wide-brimmed hat.
Keep lights off or turned down low.
Take a cool bath or shower periodically or cool down with cold, wet towels.
Avoid heavy meals and using your oven.
Avoid intense or moderately intense physical activity.
