This weekend, already expected to be hot, is pushing the thermometer even higher, prompting the Middlesex-London Health Unit to extend today’s Heat Alert into tomorrow, Sunday, August 22. The latest Environment Canada forecast now calls for tomorrow’s daytime high to reach 31º Celsius and for tonight’s temperature to dip below 20º Celsius, meeting the Health Unit’s threshold for another one-day heat alert.

“Hot weather, while a highlight of summer for many in the Middlesex-London region, can pose serious health risks if simple precautions are not taken,” says David Pavletic, Manager of Environmental Health with the Middlesex-London Health Unit. “If you’re spending any time outdoors this weekend, make sure to protect yourself from the sun by wearing a hat, sunglasses, and sunblock or staying in the shade. Please also protect yourself from the heat by drinking plenty of water and taking breaks in the shade or in an air-conditioned space.”

The Health Unit recommends continuing to follow public health guidance to limit the potential spread of COVID-19. This includes maintaining two metres of physical distance from others, wearing a mask, especially indoors where physical distancing cannot be maintained, and cleaning your hands frequently. If spending time indoors, ensure that everyone is fully vaccinated.

In addition, the Health Unit suggests the following tips to avoid potential heat-related illnesses:

• 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.
• Never leave a child or pet in a parked car or sleeping outside in direct sunlight.
• 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 your 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.
• 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 information on heat-related illness.

Media Contact:
Carolynne Gabriel, Communications Coordinator, Middlesex-London Health Unit,
519-663-5317, extension 2561 or 519-617-0534 (cell.)

Spokesperson:
David Pavletic, Manager of Environmental Health, Middlesex-London Health Unit