For the second week in a row, the weekend is expected to kick off with conditions that are hot and sticky enough to trigger a one-day HEAT ALERT. The current Environment Canada forecast calls for temperatures to reach a high of 31 Celsius on Friday with humidex values climbing to 41, exceeding the Middlesex-London Health Unit’s thresholds for issuing a public notice. This HEAT ALERT is the second to be issued this summer.

“The 25th edition of Sunfest is opening this weekend in London, so we know there will be a lot of people enjoying the sounds, sights and tastes of the world at Victoria Park. With this forecast, we also know they’ll need to find ways to beat the heat,” says Randy Walker, Public Health Inspector with the Middlesex-London Health Unit. “Whether you’re at Sunfest this weekend, camping, or just enjoying the summer in the backyard, keep a water bottle close by, use sunblock or cover exposed skin with light clothing and take breaks from the heat by seeking shade or moving to an air-conditioned space.”

The Health Unit recommends the following tips to avoid the risks of heat-related illness:

• 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, as well as coffee and cola.
• When possible, avoid spending too much time outdoors. If you must be outside, seek shade as much as possible. Plan outdoor activities in the early morning or evening.
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat when outdoors.
• Keep 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.
• Reduce the use of personal vehicles, stop unnecessary idling; avoid using oil-based paints and glues, pesticides and gas-powered small engines.

Visit: www.healthunit.com/extreme-heat for more about heat-related illness, and/or humidity.

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

Spokesperson:
Randy Walker, Public Health Inspector, Middlesex-London Health Unit