The summer heat that has blanketed the Middlesex-London region is expected to go up a notch tomorrow, prompting the Middlesex-London Health Unit to declare a one-day Heat Alert. The latest Environment Canada forecast for Saturday, August 21st, calls for a daytime high of 31º Celsius, enough to meet the Health Unit’s threshold. While the entire weekend is expected to be hot, the Heat Alert will only be in effect for one day, as Sunday’s forecasted high of 30º Celsius does not meet the level required to issue the notification.

“While the continuation of summer and its hot weather can be enjoyable, particularly for families before the return of school, we still need to be cautious of heat-related illnesses and take steps to prevent them,” says David Pavletic, Manager of Environmental Health with the Middlesex-London Health Unit. “Drink plenty of water if you plan on spending any time outdoors and if you’ll be outside for any length of time, take breaks in the shade or in an air-conditioned space to get relief from the heat.”

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