Extended Heat Warning notification for the City of Hamilton

HAMILTON, ON - The Medical Officer of Health for the City of Hamilton has initiated an Extended Heat Warning beginning on July 1, 2018. The Extended Heat Warning stays in effective until a cancellation notice is sent.

Daytime highs are forecast to reach the mid thirties with humidex values into the mid forties, and these conditions are expected to persist through most of next week. Overnight low temperatures are expected to be in the low to mid twenties, providing little or no relief from the heat.  This is the most significant heat event in the past few years.  It is very important for the public to visit family, friends and neighbours, to make sure they are cool and drinking plenty of water.

The City of Hamilton and participating community agencies are responding to the heat by offering “cool places” to go during all stages of a heat event. These locations can be identified by a “Cool Down Here” sign at the entrance.

As part of the heat response plan all public, family, adult and seniors swims at all City of Hamilton indoor and outdoor pools will be free of charge. All Supie programs are suspended. There are many spray pads, additional cool places and outdoor pools across Hamilton. For more information visit www.hamilton.ca/heat.

The Salvation Army has launched its mobile water distribution response and is distributing water to those 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.

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 9-1-1 of needed.

Reduce your risk of heat-related illness by following these precautions:

• 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 repellant 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. 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.  This is particularly important during an extended heat warning.

Additional Resources

Information about the Heat Alert and Response System visit www.hamilton.ca/heat.

For tips on coping with the heat and places to cool off visit www.hamilton.ca/heat or call 905-546-CITY (2489) Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

City of Hamilton Indoor and Outdoor Pool Locations and Schedules www.hamilton.ca/recreation.

Information on how heat affects human health is available on the Health Canada website.