With daily temperatures expected to hit or go above 30°C throughout the rest of this week, including on the Canada Day holiday, Grey Bruce Public Health is reminding residents and visitors to take important steps to prevent potential heat-related illnesses.

Environment & Climate Change Canada (ECCC) says maximum daytime temperatures in Grey-Bruce are expected to reach between 30°C and 35°C from Tuesday to Saturday, with humidex values ranging from 40 to 44. Nighttime temperatures are forecasted to remain above 21°C.

ECCC defines Extreme Heat Events in southern Ontario as periods when daily temperatures reach at least 31°C two or more days in a row with no relief overnight.
Extreme Heat Events increase the risk of heat-related illnesses, such as heat stroke, heat exhaustion, or heat cramps.

Anyone can get a heat-related illness during periods of extreme heat. Heat illnesses can develop quickly and can lead to long-term health problems and even death.

People at higher risk include older adults, infants and young children, people with chronic illnesses, pregnant individuals, people experiencing homelessness or who live in substandard housing, people with disabilities or who are on certain medications, newcomers to Canada, and people who work, exercise, or play sports in the heat.

To stay safe during extreme heat events, residents should avoid sun exposure, limit outdoor physical activity, and drink plenty of cool liquids. Water is best.

Other ways to reduce the risk of developing a heat-related illness include:

• Wearing loose-fitting, light-colored clothing made of breathable fabric;
• Engaging in outdoor activities during cooler parts of the day;
• Taking a break from the heat by spending a few hours in a cool place, such as a cooling centre, air-conditioned building, or shaded area;
• Taking cool showers or baths;
• Blocking out the sun while indoors by closing awnings, curtains, or blinds;
• Shading yourself by wearing a wide-brimmed, breathable hat or using an umbrella; and
• Asking your health care provider or pharmacist if the medications you are taking or any health condition you may have increases your health risk in the heat and follow their recommendations.

Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Symptoms can include a high body temperature, confusion, loss of consciousness, a headache, dizziness, and nausea. If someone is experiencing heat stroke, call 911 immediately and move the person to a cool place, if possible.

GBPH is asking residents to check on loved ones and vulnerable community members during periods of extreme heat to ensure they’re staying cool and hydrated.

Public Health has created an Extreme Weather webpage with additional information on the potential health impacts of extreme heat, how to respond to and protect against heat-related illnesses, and available resources, including public cooling centres in Grey-Bruce.