KFL&A Public Health Issues Extended Heat Warning

For immediate release

Wednesday, July 20, 2016

KFL&A Public Health Issues Extended Heat Warning

Kingston – KFL&A Public Health is issuing a heat warning for Thursday, July 21, 2016 until Sunday, July 24, 2016, to advise residents in the Kingston, Frontenac and Lennox & Addington area that the extended nature of the hot and humid weather that will be affecting parts of this area, may have adverse health effects. According to Environment Canada, the hot weather conditions will start Thursday with humidex values expected to exceed 40° C during the afternoon. While temperatures are expected to cool off slightly by the end of the weekend, the long-term pattern remains warmer than normal.

Commencing this summer, KFL&A Public Health has adopted a new harmonized heat warning and information system developed in collaboration with Environment Canada, Health Canada, the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and other local public health agencies. The new system is based on a combination of the latest in health science, Ontario-specific health evidence, and detailed analysis of weather patterns in Ontario. The province has been divided into three geographic regions, each with its own updated, region-specific temperature, and humidex criteria.

The KFL&A area is geographically located in the southern region heat warning zone. A heat warning for this zone is issued by Environment Canada when the forecasted maximum temperature is expected to be greater than or equal to 31⁰C and the lowest nighttime temperature is anticipated to be at or above 20⁰C for a period of 2 days or longer. A warning will also be issued if the anticipated humidex is 40⁰C or warmer for a period of 2 days or longer.

Humidex values describe how the hot and humid weather feels to the average person. It combines the temperature and humidity readings into one number to reflect the perceived temperature. The higher the humidex, the harder it is for perspiration to evaporate to cool the body, and the hotter a person will feel.

During heat events everyone is at risk; however, the health risks are greatest for:

older adults,
infants and young children,
people with chronic illnesses or who take certain medications,
people who work or who exercise in the heat, and
people without access to air-conditioned spaces.

Being prepared is key to protecting communities from negative health impacts. KFL&A Public Health recommends taking the following actions to stay cool:

Drinking plenty of cool liquids, especially water, before feeling thirsty.
Avoiding sun exposure, for example by sitting under a tree, wearing a wide-brimmed, breathable hat, or using an umbrella.
Taking a break from the heat by spending a few hours in a cool place.
Rescheduling strenuous outdoor activity or planning outdoor activities during cooler parts of the day.
Wearing loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing made of breathable fabric.
Blocking the sun out by closing awnings, curtains or blinds during the day.
Never leaving people or pets inside a parked vehicle or in direct sunlight.

KFL&A Public Health encourages people to visit neighbours, friends, and older family members frequently, especially those who are chronically ill, and those at higher risk, to make sure that they are cool and hydrated.

More information on protective measures can be found on KFL&A Public Health’s website www.kflaph.ca.

--30--

For more information, contact:

Maddie Crothers, BComm, MDM

Communications and Public Relations Specialist

Phone: 613-549-1232, ext. 1543

Toll-Free: 1-800-267-7875

Fax: 613-549-7896

maddie.crothers@kflapublichealth.ca

ref: PR072016