Extended heat warning terminated

Whitby, Ontario - The Health Department is advising Durham Region residents that the extended heat warning issued July 29 is now terminated. The Health Department will continue to monitor information received from Environment and Climate Change Canada and will provide updates, as necessary, to area residents.

During the extended heat warning, the Health Department advised area residents to take precautions to prevent heat-related illness. While extreme heat can put everyone at risk from heat illnesses, health risks are greatest for older adults, infants and young children, people with chronic illnesses such as breathing difficulties, heart conditions or psychiatric illnesses, people who work or who exercise in the heat, homeless people and low-income earners. Those who take medication or have a health condition should ask their doctor or pharmacist if these medications can increase their health risk in the heat and follow the appropriate recommendations.

It is also crucial to remember to never leave infants and young children inside a parked vehicle. This is especially important as when the outside air temperature is 23ºC/73ºF, the temperature inside a vehicle can be extremely dangerous and reach more than 50ºC/122ºF. Anyone seeing a child left unattended in a hot vehicle at any time should call 911 immediately.

To help avoid heat-related illnesses, residents are encouraged to take the following precautions to beat the heat and stay cool:

• Drink plenty of cool liquids, especially water, before feeling thirsty.
• Wear loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing made of breathable fabric.
• Take cool showers or baths until you feel refreshed.
• Take a break from the heat by spending a few hours in a cool place.
• Block out the sun by opening awnings, and closing curtains or blinds during the day.
• Avoid sun exposure. Shade yourself by wearing a wide-brimmed, breathable hat or using an umbrella.
• Reschedule or plan outdoor activities during cooler parts of the day.
• Never leave people or pets inside a parked vehicle.

For news and updates from Environment and Climate Change Canada, visit weather.gc.ca/warnings/report_e.html?on11. For more information about Durham Region Heat Warning and Information Systems (HWIS), or for additional tips on how to stay safe and what to do during extreme heat, please visit durham.ca/heat, or contact the Environmental Help Line at 1-888-777-9613 or 905-723-3818.

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For more information, please contact Health Department.