Residents Urged to Protect Against Heat-Related Illnesses This Week

During an Orange Heat Warning, everyone may be at risk for heat-related illnesses like dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. However, some populations may be more vulnerable to the health impacts, including people who work outdoors, people who are unhoused, older adults, some people with disabilities or chronic diseases, people who are pregnant, and children and infants.  

“Residents are strongly encouraged to check in with friends, family, and neighbours this week,” said Julie Bromley, Manager of Strategic and Emergency Services at Lakelands Public Health. “Being the first heat of event of the year and over the holiday, this can be a very dangerous time. Especially for those who may be at higher risk or live alone, a check-in is so important.” 

Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion 
Residents are encouraged to monitor themselves and those around them for signs of heat-related illness. Symptoms include:

• Tiredness and weakness
• Dizziness
• Rash 
• Nausea or vomiting 
• Headache 
• Decreased urination with unusually dark yellow urine  

Anyone experiencing these symptoms should move to a cool place immediately, drink water, and seek medical attention if required.  

Symptoms of Heat Stroke 
Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Call 9-1-1 immediately if someone is experiencing any of the symptoms:

• Body temperature over 39°C (102°F)
• Hot, red skin that may feel dry
• Throbbing headache
• Dizziness/fainting or passing out
• Severe nausea or vomiting
• Trouble speaking clearly
• Unusual coordination
• Fast breathing or faint, fast heartbeat
• Confusion or disorientation
• Very little dark urine 

Reduce the Risk of Heat-Related Illnesses

• Stay hydrated; drink lots of water before feeling thirsty.
• Avoid strenuous outdoor physical activity. 
• If you are at higher risk, limit outdoor physical activity, even at moderate levels.
• Avoid going out during the hottest time of the day and avoid direct sun.
• Wear loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing.
• Take a cool bath/shower or cool down with cold, wet towels. 
• Keep homes cooler by:
  • Closing blinds and curtains
  • Turning off heat-generating lights or appliances
  • Preparing meals that don’t use your oven
• Never leave people or pets inside a parked vehicle or in direct sunlight.
• Contact your local municipality to ask about designated public cooling centres or visit public spaces such as libraries or malls that are air conditioned, or local beaches and splash pads. 

Extreme heat events have been increasing in frequency and severity, due to climate change, and residents in our region may experience more health risks associated with extreme heat, as shared in the 2023 Climate Change and Vulnerability Health Assessments previously conducted in both the former HKPR District Health Unit and Peterborough Public Health regions. 

Extreme heat can be dangerous. Knowing how to prepare and keep cool will help you stay safe and healthy. Find more information, tips, resources and active local heat alerts at LakelandsPH.ca/Heat.