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Sarnia, ON – A HEAT ALERT has been issued immediately for Sarnia-Lambton by the Medical Officer of Health for Lambton County on Friday July 23, based on the latest Environment Canada forecast. The alert is due to high humidity levels that can be hazardous to your health. The alert will remain in effect over the weekend period of hot, humid weather.
The County of Lambton Community Health Services Department will issue a Heat Alert when one or more of the following is met:
- Humidex reading of 40°C and above.
- Humidex reading of 36°C or above combined with a Smog Alert.
- Humidex warning is issued for outdoor activity for Sarnia-Lambton.
- High temperatures, without a humidex reading equal to 38°C or above.
"Extreme heat puts physical distress on everyone and can affect your health in a number of ways," says Dr. Chris Greensmith, (A) Medical Officer of Health for Lambton County. "The homeless, seniors, young children, those with chronic health conditions, those who are active or work in hot environments and those without air conditioning are at greatest risk and should take precautions."
The Community Health Services Department advises local agencies and organizations working with high-risk individuals to recognize the risks and advise their clients to take precautions.
Protect yourself from heat-related illness by following these tips:
- Limit time outdoors between 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., when the UV index is most intense.
- Drink lots of water and natural juices, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
- Avoid drinking alcohol and caffeinated beverages.
- Avoid heavy meals and using your oven.
- Avoid the sun or heat when possible. If you must go out, stay in the shade as much as possible.
- Find an air-conditioned room. If you don’t have air conditioning in your home, go to the mall, library or recreational facility.
- If you can’t find an air conditioned facility, take a cool shower or bath. Keep curtains or blinds drawn during the hottest part of the day.
- Wear light-weight, loose-fitting clothes. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
Avoid intense or moderately-intense physical activity.
- Talk with your doctor or pharmacist to see if your medication makes you more vulnerable to extreme heat.
- Check on children, seniors, persons with disabilities and individuals with chronic illness. Make sure they are well hydrated and have no signs of heat-related illness.
- Never leave anyone, including pets, alone in a closed, parked vehicle. Pets need access to a cool place and fresh water.
- Use fans to draw cool air at night; do not rely on a fan as a primary cooling devise during extended periods of excessive heat.
If you suspect someone has heat-related illness:
- Call for help.
- Remove extra clothing from the person.
- Move person to a cooler location, out of the sun.
- Reduce body temperature using cool, not cold, water to bathe/sponge the person.
Heatstroke is the most serious heat-related illness. It occurs when the body is unable to control its temperature, and core body temperature rises rapidly. Symptoms include an extremely high body temperature of 41°C or greater; red, hot and dry skin (no sweating); and a strong, rapid pulse. Dizziness, headache, nausea, and possible unconsciousness may indicate heatstroke.
Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related illness that develops after several days of exposure to high temperatures and inadequate replacement of fluids. Symptoms include heavy sweating; cool, moist skin; paleness; and a fast, weak pulse. Fatigue, weakness, dizziness, and muscle cramps may indicate heat exhaustion.
Visit www.lambtonhealth.on.ca for more information on heat-related illness, or the effects of smog on your health.
For more information about Lambton County, visit www.lambtononline.ca.
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Contact:
Chad Ikert
Manager, Environmental Health and Prevention Services
County of Lambton
Telephone: 519 383-8331 ext. 3507
Fax: 519 383-7092
email: chad.ikert@county-lambton.on.ca
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