With extreme heat in the forecast, the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit and Peterborough Public Health are urging residents to prepare and protect themselves.
“Extreme heat isn’t just uncomfortable – it can be dangerous, especially for those most at risk,” says Bernie Mayer, Manager of Environmental Health. At-risk groups include young children, older adults, people with chronic conditions or those on certain medications, unhoused individuals, and outdoor workers or athletes.
Officials recommend staying in shaded or air-conditioned spaces, avoiding peak sun hours, and staying well-hydrated. If you do need to be outside, wear light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing and drink water regularly, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Fans, cool showers and public cooling centres can also help regulate body temperature.
Residents are also reminded about food safety during extreme heat: don’t leave food out for more than an hour, use coolers when transporting groceries, and avoid the temperature danger zone of 4°C to 60°C.
Signs of heat-related illness include heat rash, cramps, exhaustion, and in severe cases, heat stroke. If someone is confused, dizzy, or loses consciousness, call 9-1-1 immediately.
Health officials encourage the public to sign up for Environment Canada weather alerts and follow their local health unit online for updates and safety information.
You can also get the lastest local weather, including warnings and alerts at 93.3 myFM, Classic Rock 107.9 and Oldies 100.9
To learn more, visit hkpr.on.ca/heat or peterboroughpublichealth.ca/extremeheat.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
