Extreme Heat Response Plan
KFL&A Public Health issues a Level 1, 2, or 3 Heat Advisory when a hot or humid air
mass is forecast and a likelihood of weather health effects may occur.
The issuance of a
Heat Advisory activates various different levels of action from the City of Kingston's
Extreme Heat Response Plan.
Heat Advisories are based on three extreme heat thresholds:
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EXTREME HEAT HEALTH RESPONSE PLAN
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Level 1 Heat Alert
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Thresholds
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36°C or 36 humidex for 2 consecutive days.
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No smog advisory.
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Key Public Health Messages
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Core Messages:
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Keep the home cool
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Stay out of the heat
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Keep the body cool and hydrated
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Help others
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Know the signs of heat related illness and know what to do
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Public Health Actions
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Heat Health Alert is issued by media release and directly to key
community partner agencies including municipalities, schools, daycares, acute care
facilities, long term care homes, neighbourhood/ faith groups, social services and
emergency service providers.
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City of Kingston Actions
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Share heat related information with departments, service providers and clients.
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Promote and encourage the use of municipal facilities as cool down here centres and encourage the use of wading pools and outdoor splash pads
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Level 2 Heat Warning
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Thresholds
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36°C or 36 humidex for 2 consecutive days
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Smog advisory
OR
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40°C or 20 humidex for 2 consecutive days.
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NO smog advisory
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Key Public Health Messages
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Core messages plus:
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Provide further information on how and where to stay cool via website and media release.
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Advise suspension of strenuous outdoor sport activities.
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Check more frequently on vulnerable groups.
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Tune in! Watch for further information through the media and KFL&A
Public Health website.
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Public Health Actions
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Heat Health Warning issued.
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Municipalities may extend hours of operations at air conditioned municipal buildings.
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City of Kingston Actions
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Provide notification to emergency response teams, city departments and community partners.
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Coordinate media releases with KFL&A Public Health (if required).
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Support community agencies/partners in their efforts to provide services to vulnerable
populations and work with agencies to address issues of concern if required (extended
hours, transportation, etc). May extend hours of operation at municipal facilities.
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Welcome the public to use a cooling centre (municipal facility and partner agency facility)
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Kingston Community Health Centre, 400 Elliott Ave. - Hrs: 8:30 a.m. 4:30 p.m., Mon - Fri
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Artillery Park (Lobby), 76 Ordnance Street - Hrs: 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m., Mon - Fri; 8:00 a.m.
- 8:00 p.m. Sat & Sun
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INVISTA Centre, 1350 Gardiner's Road (at Fortune Cres) Hours: 7 a.m. - 9 p.m., Mon- Fri; 8 a.m. - 8 p.m., Sat & Sun
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Level 3 Heat Emergency
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Thresholds
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36°C or 36 humidex or above AND contributing factors (power outage, water failure etc.)
OR
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40°C or 40 humidex for 2 consecutive days
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Smog advisory
OR
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45°C or 45 humidex for 2 consecutive days.
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WITH or WITHOUT smog advisory.
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Key Public Health Messages
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Core messages plus:
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Stop all unnecessary strenuous outdoor activity.
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Listen to media for further information.
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Public Health Actions
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Heat Health Emergency notice issued.
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Activation of Public Health emergency response plan.
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Activation of municipal emergency response plans.
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Emergency heat health communications to general public, media, community partner agencies
and board members.
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When discontinued post on website, advise media and comunity partner agencies.
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City of Kingston Actions
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Convene the Municipal Control Group if required to assess extent of situation and
determine additional strategies.
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Activate the City of Kingston Emergency Plan (in whole or in part) as required
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May facilitate the opening of a Reception Centre for use as a cooling centre.
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May establish the Citizen Inquiry Centre as detailed in City's Emergency Plan
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May establish transportation and logistics assistance if required to move people to
cooling centres.
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Coordinate media releases with KFL&A Public Health.
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Cool Down Centres
"Cool Down Here" Centres are public facilities and private businesses that have air
conditioning and are open to the public to provide temporary relief from the heat (May -
October).
[SEE A LIST OF PARTICIPATING ORGANIZATIONS/BUSINESSES]
Cooling Centres are arranged through the municipality and are set up to provide
additional relief options for residents and visitors. These facilities have air
conditioning and staff is on hand to provide water and a seating area.
