The public is welcome to cool off in the air-conditioned environment at public town facilities, such as the Canada Summit Centre / Active Living Centre and Huntsville Public Library, during regular business hours.

It is recommended during high heat events that you stay in a cool location as much as possible, drink plenty of fluids, and if you must be outside, to limit your activities. Remember that certain groups are at highest health risk from extreme heat, including the elderly, infants and young children, and people with chronic illnesses. Residents are encouraged to check in on friends, family, and neighbours who are at increased risk in extreme heat, especially if they do not have access to functioning air conditioning.

Please go to Simcoemuskokahealth.org or Ontario.ca for information on health and safety in extreme heat.

Residents are encouraged to follow Environment Canada and local media outlets for weather updates.

The post Environment Canada Issues Multi-Day Heat Event Warning appeared first on Muskoka411.

When temperatures are high, overexertion will increase the risk of heat exhaustion, dehydration or heat stroke. During periods of heat, you should be careful of your health and look for ways to avoid overheating.

1. Drink plenty of water. Don’t wait until you feel thirsty – that’s a sign that your body is already becoming dehydrated.
2. Stay cool indoors by drawing blinds or curtains to prevent radiant heat from entering homes.
3. If you have air conditioning, turn it on to keep temperatures to 26 ºC or below. If you don’t have air conditioning, use fans in the evenings and early morning to circulate cool air from outside. Remember, that while fans can provide comfort by increasing evaporation during periods of extreme heat, they will not prevent heat-related illness and therefore should not be relied upon as a primary cooling method.
4. Remember, indoor temperatures of 31ºC and above can be dangerous. Seek safe, cool spaces such as libraries, shopping malls, community pools or parks with lots of shade.
5. If you are spending time outside, stay in the shade and make sure you wear and reapply sunscreen, wear a broad-brimmed hat, sunglasses and light-weight, light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing.
6. Reduce physical activity and adjust your schedule to do necessary activities during cooler parts of the day.

Everyone can be affected by heat, however some people are more susceptible to harm from to the effects of extreme heat, including: infants and young children; older adults; people with existing health conditions (e.g., heart and lung conditions, cancer), mental illness or cognitive impairment; individuals living alone or are social isolated; and people taking certain prescription medications. Check on family, friends and neighbours to make sure they are staying cool and healthy and indoor temperatures are comfortable. The National Collaborating Centre for Environmental Health has a guide to help you do in-person or virtual health checks during extreme events.

For more information about extreme heat, visit the health unit’s website at www.smdhu.org/heat or call Health Connection weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520.

The post Protect Yourself When Temperatures Are High And During Heat Warning Events appeared first on Muskoka411.

Current details:
A multi-day heat event begins today.

Maximum temperatures:
29 to 33 degrees.

Minimum temperatures:
17 to 22 degrees.

Humidex:
37 to 42.

Timing:
Today through Thursday.

Discussion:
Areas near the lakes could be slightly cooler than regions further inland.

Hot and humid air can also bring deteriorating air quality and can result in the Air Quality Health Index approaching the high risk category.

Extreme heat affects everyone.

The risks are greater for young children, pregnant women, older adults, people with chronic illnesses and people working or exercising outdoors.

Watch for the effects of heat illness: swelling, rash, cramps, fainting, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and the worsening of some health conditions.

Drink plenty of water even before you feel thirsty and stay in a cool place.

Never leave people or pets inside a parked vehicle.

Heat warnings are issued when very high temperature or humidity conditions are expected to pose an elevated risk of heat illnesses, such as heat stroke or heat exhaustion.

Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to ONstorm@ec.gc.ca or tweet reports using #ONStorm.

More details on the alert are available here.

The latest status and details on all alerts, including alerts that are not part of your subscription, can be found here: https://weather.gc.ca/index_e.html?layers=alert

This is an automated email from EC Alert me and replies to this message will neither be read nor receive a response.
To unsubscribe from these emails please log in here https://ecalertme.weather.gc.ca.
If you wish to contact us, please email us at ecmeteo@ec.gc.ca.

The post A Multi-Day Heat Event Begins Today appeared first on Muskoka411.

1. Barrie – Orillia – Midland
2. Innisfil – New Tecumseth – Angus
3. Bracebridge – Gravenhurst

When temperatures are high, overexertion will increase the risk of heat exhaustion, dehydration or heat stroke. During periods of heat, you should be careful of your health and look for ways to avoid overheating.

1. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids (non-caffeinated). Don’t wait until you feel thirsty – that’s a sign that your body is already becoming dehydrated.
2. Stay cool indoors.
3. Draw blinds or curtains to prevent radiant heat from entering homes.
4. Electric fans provide comfort by increasing evaporation; however, when conditions are extreme, fans will not prevent heat-related illness.
5. If you must be outside, stay in the shade and make sure you wear and reapply sunscreen, a broad-brimmed hat, sunglasses and lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
6. Keep physical activity to a minimum.

Infants and young children, the frail elderly and people with chronic lung conditions or taking certain prescription drugs are more vulnerable to harm from overheating. Check in on family and friends who are more vulnerable to the effects of extreme heat to make sure they’re staying safe.

For more information about extreme heat, visit the health unit’s website at www.smdhu.org/heat or call Health Connection weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520.

The post Protect Yourself During Extreme Heat Warning appeared first on Muskoka411.