Public health units issue heat warning for Kingston, Belleville and Brockville areas

Local health units have issued heat warnings for the Kingston, Belleville and Brockville areas ahead of the Civic Holiday long weekend.

Kingston Frontenac Lennox and Addington Public Health (KFL&A Public Health), Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit and Hastings Prince Edward Public Health have all released warnings of high temperatures and humidex values that will begin Sunday, Aug. 5 and persist until Tuesday Aug. 7.

According to Environment Canada, daytime high temperatures are anticipated to be in the low to mid 30s, while overnight low temperatures may not go below 20 C.

Also, due to high humidity, the temperature could feel like the mid to high 30s.

According to KFL&A Public Health, a heat warning is issued by Environment Canada when the maximum temperature is expected to be 31 C or higher, while the lowest nighttime temperature is expected to be 20 C or higher for a two day stretch. Environment Canada will also issue warnings for two-day stretches where the humidex is 40 C or above.

Although Environment Canada is waiting to publish their own heat warning alert, KFL&A Public Health said organizations like theirs receive heat warnings from the environmental agency in advance.

Kingston’s public health branch says those who are at the greatest risk during heat events, especially older adults, young infants, people without access to air conditioning and those with illnesses, should take extra care to stay cool.

Here are some tips to stay cool during the long weekend courtesy of KFL&A Public Health.

• Drinking plenty of cool liquids, especially water, before feeling thirsty.
• Avoiding direct 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; take cool showers.
• 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 also has a list of cool-down spots for various regions in the area where you can escape the heat if you’re out and about on the long weekend.