London, ON – Environment Canada’s forecast calling for high humidex values to reach near 40 has prompted the Medical Officer of Health to issue the summer’s first Heat Alert for the Middlesex-London Region. The forecast calls for a hot and hazy airmass to descend on Southwestern Ontario tomorrow, with temperatures climbing by the afternoon before a cold front moves in and brings more seasonal temperatures through the rest of the week. A forecast calling for humidex values of 40 or more is one of the Health Unit’s triggers for issuing a Heat Alert.

"This is our first Heat Alert of the year, and we expect it will only be in place for a few hours, so it’s important for us to remind residents about the importance of keeping cool,” says Iqbal Kalsi, Manager of Environmental Health. “With the milder temperatures we’ve had so far this summer, people may need a reminder that over-exerting yourself when it’s very hot outside can be dangerous.”

The combination of high heat and high humidity can be very dangerous. Anyone who finds they are suffering symptoms associated with extreme temperature conditions should seek medical attention immediately either by calling 911 or going to the nearest Emergency Department.

To avoid heat-related illness, please follow these tips:

• Drink plenty of water and natural juices throughout the day, even if you don't feel very thirsty. Remember to take sips often and not to guzzle your drink.
• Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages, coffee and cola.
• Where possible, avoid spending much time outdoors. If you be outside, stay in the shade as much as possible. Plan necessary outdoor activities in early morning or evening.
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat when outdoors.
• Keep window shades or drapes drawn and blinds closed on the sunny side of your home.
• Avoid turning on electric lights in the home.
• Take a cool bath or shower periodically or cool down with cool, wet towels.
• Wear loose fitting, light clothing.
• Avoid eating heavy meals and using your oven.
• Avoid intense or moderately intense physical activity.
• Never leave a child or pet in a parked car or sleeping outside in direct sunlight.
• Use fans to draw cool air at night, but do not rely on a fan as a primary cooling device during extended periods of excessive heat.
• Consult your doctor or pharmacist about the side effects of any medications you are taking.
• Reduce the use of personal vehicles, stop unnecessary idling; avoid using oil-based paints and glues, pesticides and gas-powered small engines.

If you experience any of the following symptoms of heat illness, seek help from a friend, relative or a doctor:

• Rapid breathing
• Weakness or fainting
• More tiredness than usual
• Headache
• Confusion

Friends and relatives can help someone with heat illness by doing the following:

• Call for help. Call 911, consult a healthcare provider or call Telehealth Ontario (1-866-797-0000 or TTY at 1-877-797-0007);
• Move the person to a cooler location.
• Remove excess clothing from the person.
• Cool the person with lukewarm water, by sponging or bathing.
• Give the person sips of cool water if they are not nauseated or vomiting. Do not give ice cold water.

As an owner or operator of residential buildings, landlords can take these actions to decrease the risk of heat-related illness to your residents:

• Provide residents access to a cooler spot for several hours at a time, e.g. a common room with air conditioning or a basement area.
• Keep windows in hallways slightly open to allow air to circulate.
• Use fans to draw cool air at night, but do not rely on a fan as a primary cooling device during extended periods of excessive heat.
• Provide heat safety information to residents or post the information in common areas e.g. by the elevator, in the lobby.
• Have building staff check on at-risk residents every few hours.
• Advise residents to drink lots of water and natural fruit juices even if they don't feel thirsty.
• Ask residents to keep windows open and the drapes drawn.
• Keep lights off. Do not use stove or oven.
• Suggest residents cool down with cool baths, showers, foot baths or by placing cool, wet towels on their necks or underarms.
• Suggest tenants avoid midday sun or heat and go outside in the morning or evening when it is cooler.

For complete information on heat-related illness, or the effects of smog and humidity please contact the Middlesex-London Health Unit at 519-663-5317 or visit www.healthunit.com/extreme-temperatures.

For a listing of City of London splash pads and times they are open please visit the city's web site at www.london.ca.

For the addresses of local libraries, please call 519-661-4600.

For 24-hour-a-day free advice from a Health Professional, call Telehealth Ontario, seven days a week at 1-866-797-0000.

For information about pet care please contact the London Animal Care Centre 519-685-1330 or visit www.accpets.ca.

Media Contact:
Dan Flaherty, Communications Manager, Middlesex-London Health, Unit, 519-663-5317 ext. 2469, or 519-617-0570 (cell.)

Spokesperson:
Iqbal Kalsi, Manager of Environmental Health, Middlesex-London Health Unit