TORONTO – The hot and humid weather forecasted for Toronto has prompted the city’s medical officer of health to extend the extreme heat alert for Tuesday.
During a Extreme Heal Alert, city officials advice citizens to call or visit family, friends and neighbours, especially isolated adults and seniors who are at greater risk of suffering from heat-related illness, to make sure they are okay.
Other groups at risk include people with chronic and pre-existing illnesses, infants and young children, people on certain medications and those who are marginally housed or homeless.
Cooling centres are also open for those in need and a full list can be found here.
A number of outdoor pools have also extended their hours until 11:45 pm to help beat the heat.
Environment Canada says sweltering weather gripping much of southern Ontario is forecast to stick around for a few more days.
The weather service says hot and humid conditions that have sent temperatures into the low 30s are moving into south central Ontario after cooking the province’s southwest.
People are advised to “Beat the Heat” by taking the following precautions:
– Drink lots of cool water even before you feel thirsty.
– Go to an air conditioned place such as a shopping mall, library or community centre.
– Wear loose light coloured breathable clothing and when outdoors wear a wide-brimmed hat.
– Avoid the sun and stay in the shade or use an umbrella.
– Reschedule or plan outdoor activities during the cooler parts of the day.
– Take cool showers or baths or use cool wet towels to cool down.
– Keep blinds or drapes closed to block out the sun during the day.
– Make meals that don’t use an oven, especially if you don’t have air conditioning.
– Use a fan next to your window, to bring cooler air in from outside.
– Never leave a person or pet inside a parked car or in the direct sunlight.
– Consult with your doctor or pharmacist on medications that increase your risk to heat.
– Call or visit at-risk family, friends or neighbours, especially seniors living alone to make sure they are drinking plenty of fluids and keeping cool.
The city is also encouraging landlords of buildings without air conditioning to provide a dedicated cooling room for vulnerable residents to escape the heat. Community agencies are encouraged to educate clients on the risks of heat-related illness and to call or check on those clients at increased risk of heat-related illness during alerts.
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