Grey Bruce Public Health is urging residents to take steps to protect against high outdoor temperatures and prevent heat-related illnesses after Environment & Climate Change Canada (ECCC) issued a Heat Warning for Grey-Bruce.

Daytime temperatures are expected to reach about 30°C in Grey-Bruce on both Tuesday and Wednesday. Humidex values of up to 40 are also anticipated.

A cold front is expected to pass through Grey-Bruce Thursday, bringing an end to the extreme heat.

Heat warnings are issued by ECCC when high temperatures or humidity conditions reach a criteria established by the federal agency and provincial health authorities and are expected to pose an elevated risk of heat-related illnesses.

Anyone is at risk of developing a heat-related illness, which can include heat stroke, heat exhaustion, or heat cramps, during periods of extreme heat. Heat illnesses can develop quickly and can lead to long-term health problems and even death.

People at higher risk of heat-related illnesses include:

• Older adults;
• Infants and young children;
• People with chronic illnesses, such as those impacting breathing or heart conditions;
• People who are pregnant;
• People experiencing homelessness or who live in substandard housing;
• People with disabilities or who are on certain medications;
• Newcomers to Canada; and
• People who work, exercise, or play sports in the heat.

To stay safe when it’s very hot or humid outside, residents should avoid sun exposure, limit physical activity, and drink plenty of cool liquids. Water is best.

Other ways to reduce the risk of developing a heat-related illness include:

• Wearing loose-fitting, light-colored clothing made of breathable fabric;
• Engaging in outdoor activities during cooler parts of the day;
• Taking a break from the heat by spending a few hours in a cool place, such as a cooling centre, air-conditioned building, or shaded area;
• Taking cool showers or baths;
• Blocking out the sun while indoors by closing awnings, curtains, or blinds;
• Shading yourself by wearing a wide-brimmed, breathable hat or using an umbrella; and
• Asking your health care provider or pharmacist if the medications you are taking or any health condition you may have increases your health risk in the heat and follow their recommendations.

Heat stroke is a medical emergency. If someone is experiencing heat stroke, call 911 right away and move the person to a cool place, if possible. Symptoms of heat stroke can include a high body temperature, confusion, loss of consciousness, a headache, dizziness, and nausea.

GBPH is asking residents to check on loved ones and vulnerable community members during periods of extreme heat to ensure they’re staying cool and hydrated as well.

Public Health has developed an Extreme Weather webpage with additional information on the potential health impacts of extreme heat, how to respond to and protect against heat-related illnesses, and available resources, including public cooling centres. The webpage is available at the following link: Extreme Weather Link.

For More Information:
To connect with the Medical Officer of Health or the program manager, please contact:
Denis Langlois, Communications Co-ordinator,
Grey Bruce Public Health,
519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 ext. 1315,
Communications@publichealthgreybruce.on.ca