HALIBURTON, ON – With summer here, the health unit is trying to make sure people are prepared for the heat.
Earlier today, the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit issued a release about the dangers of being out in the sun and heat. As well as suggestions and ideas to not sweat the heat.
According to the health unit, they will issue public warnings heading into extreme heat across the district. A “heat warning” will get issued leading into days that the temperature is expected to go up to 31’ or higher and a minimum daytime low of 21’ for two consecutive days.
Another reason the health unit will issue a heat warning is that the humidex is expected to go up to 40’.
Those notifications will go out on their social media accounts.
“Heat-related illnesses can take a toll on many people, especially infants, older adults and people with chronic conditions,” says Melissa Johnstone, Emergency Management Coordinator with the Health Unit. “If a heat warning is issued, residents are encouraged not to overdo things and instead drink plenty of water and seek out cool places.”
During a heat warning, the health unit encourages everyone to avoid going out in the sun wherever possible, stay in a cool or air-conditioned place, stay in shade as much as possible, and avoid outdoor activities.
Some of the other suggestions include wear loose-fitting, light clothing and a wide-brimmed hat, drink lots of water, check on vulnerable family members, avoid eating heavy meals that require using the stove and take a cool shower or bath periodically to lower your internal body temperature.
In terms of keeping your house cooler, it is recommended that you leave the blinds or drapes closed, leave the lights off or on low.
Some municipalities offer cooling centres, HKPR suggests checking with your local municipality to see if there is one near you.