EOHU warns people to limit unnecessary activity as temperatures climb

People in the region are struggling to find ways to keep cool and comfortable as a week-long heat wave threatens to keep temperatures hovering around the 40 degree mark.

In both Ontario and Quebec, temperatures once again soared well into the 30's on Wednesday, July 7, with the humidity making it feel more like 40.

"We're protected under a ridge of high pressure, so that's why the heat is lasting so long," explained Michelle Cassar, a meteorologist with the Weather Network in a press release issued today. "Essentially, we've got this one area of high pressure sitting over the U.S. eastern seaboard. We're getting a southerly flow from this system, and this is what's drawing in the hot, humid air from the Gulf of Mexico."
According to weather forecasters, those looking for relief from the intense heat and humidity will have to wait until Friday, when cooler air is expected to move in to the region.

While this burning hot weather is the stuff beach-goers dream about, these types of conditions can also be extremely dangerous, warns the Eastern Ontario Health Unit (EOHU).

The EOHU has issued a severe heat and humidity advisory because the humidex is expected to remain at 36 or higher until at least Friday.

The humidex is a scale that indicates the level of personal discomfort resulting from a combination of heat and humidity.
According to the EOHU, humidex of 35 to 39 requires that certain types of outdoor exercise be toned down or modified, depending on the age and health of the individual, physical shape, the type of clothes worn, and other weather conditions.
When humidex of 40 and over is reached, as is expected for the next few days, all unnecessary activity should be limited.

Residents are being advised to take a number of simple steps to help prevent heat injury. These steps include:

• Drinking plenty of water and avoiding liquids that contain alcohol, caffeine or large amounts of sugar.
• Staying indoors. Stay cool by taking cool showers or wetting your hands, face and the back of your neck.
• Avoiding vigorous exercise in the heat (this includes children as well). If you have a young child or a child with chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma, do not allow them to partake in sporting events or exercise during heat waves especially when there is a heat/humidity advisory in effect.
• Keeping your home cool by limiting the use of your oven/stove.
• Turning off unnecessary lights.
• Keeping windows slightly open during the day.
• Opening windows wide at night to cool the house.
• Never leave children or pets in a parked car.

"The Eastern Ontario Health Unit is working with municipalities to create daytime cooling centres," said Dr. Paul Roumeliotis, chief medical officer of healh. "People who need to escape the heat during the day can visit any of the designated daytime cooling centres."
Residents can call their local municipalities to find out where cooling stations are located.
For the complete list of tips and warning signs of illness, visit www.eohu.ca . You can also call the Eastern Ontario Health Unit at 613-933-1375 or at 1-800-267-7120 and ask for the Health Line.