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Thursday, August 4, 2016
Kingston – KFL&A Public Health is issuing a heat warning for Thursday, August 4, 2016 and Friday August 5, 2016 to advise residents in Kingston, Frontenac and Lennox & Addington area that the hot and humid weather that will be affecting parts of this area may have adverse health effects. According to Environment Canada, the heat will arrive during the day Thursday with humidex values in the high 30’s. This heat episode is expected to end by Friday evening with a passage of a cold front.
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 31C and the lowest nighttime temperature is anticipated to be at or above 20C for a period of 2 days or longer. A warning will also be issued if the anticipated humidex is 40 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.
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 in your care 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.
Maddie Crothers
Communications and Public Relations Specialist
KFL&A Public Health
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