Keeping cool this Canada Day

The City of Kingston wishes all residents a safe and happy Canada Day as celebrations are underway. The city is under a heat warning due to high temperatures and humidity conditions that can pose an elevated risk of heat illnesses. Southeast Public Health has issued the following information for today and into the weekend. Please note service changes in our Canada Day news release when seeking cooler temperatures.  

Environment Canada has issued an orange alert due to extreme heat for parts of the Southeast Public Health region. 

The extreme heat is expected to last until Friday, July 3, and possibly into Saturday, July 4, with forecasted temperatures that may reach as high as 36°C. 

Heat illnesses are preventable, and being prepared is key to protecting yourself from negative health impacts. Becoming overheated can cause dehydration, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and, in some cases, death. Even short periods of exposure to high temperatures can cause health problems. If you have the following symptoms after exposure to extreme heat, seek medical attention immediately: 

• Nausea, dizziness, blurred vision
• Difficulty or rapid breathing
• Severe headache or confusion
• Convulsion
• Fever 

Who is at risk? 

During heat events, everyone is at risk; however, health risks are greatest for: 

• infants and young children
• older adults
• people who are pregnant
• people with chronic medical conditions or mental illnesses
• people who are underhoused or experiencing homelessness
• people with limited physical mobility
• people who work outdoors 

During a heat event: 

• Check on family and friends to make sure they are OK.
• Never leave children, adults or pets in parked cars or sleeping outside in direct sunlight.
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel very thirsty.
• Avoid outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day.
• Consult your doctor or pharmacist regarding the side effects of your medications.
• Eat foods that have high water content such as watermelon, grapes and oranges.
• Limit caffeinated beverages such as coffee and cola.
• Take a cool bath or shower periodically, or cool down with cool, wet towels.
• Whenever possible, go to an air-conditioned room or building.
• Wear loose-fitting, light clothing and a wide-brimmed hat when outdoors.
• Keep window shades or drapes drawn and blinds closed on the sunny side of your home.
• Use fans to draw cool air at night, but do not rely on a fan as a main cooling device during long periods of high heat and humidity. 

Learn more by visiting the SEPH Extreme temperatures web page. Monitor heat warnings in your region by downloading the WeatherCAN app.