Environment Canada has issued a heat warning for York Region. York Region Public Health advises the public to take extra precautions to stay safe in the heat.
Everyone is at risk from extreme heat, especially older adults, infants and young children, people who work or exercise outdoors and those with certain medical conditions. Warning signs of heat-related illness include dizziness, headache, nausea or vomiting, weakness and confusion. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention. Also remember to check on friends, family and neighbours who may be at risk.
Heat-related illnesses are preventable
Staying cool, hydrated and reducing outdoor physical activity are the best ways to beat the heat during hot and humid weather.
Find ways to stay cool
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Stay indoors in cool, well-ventilated areas
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Wear loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing made of breathable fabric
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If you do not have air conditioning in your home, go to places that do, including shopping malls, local libraries, public pools and community centres
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When using fans, keep a window or door open to bring in cooler air from outside
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Never leave people or pets inside a parked vehicle or in direct sunlight
Drink extra fluids
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Increase your fluid intake regardless of your activity level
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Drink plenty of water before feeling thirsty
Reduce physical activity, especially in the full sun
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Reschedule or plan outdoor activities during cooler parts of the day
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Reduce sun exposure between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. and when the UV Index is reported to reach three (moderate) or higher
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If you must be outdoors in the heat, rest frequently to allow your body temperature to cool down
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Avoid sun exposure by wearing a wide-brimmed, breathable hat or use an umbrella
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Wear sunscreen with SPF of 30 or higher
Should the heat warning continue into [day], an extended heat warning may be issued.
For more information on this heat warning, please visit york.ca/extremeheat, follow York Region on Twitter and Facebook or contact York Region Health Connection at 1-800-361-5653 or TTY 1-866-252-9933.
(Source: The Regional Municipality of York)
Markham has issued a heat warning due to the local forecast indicating temperatures above 30 Celsius with a high humidex on Tuesday, July 12 and Wednesday, July 13. It is important to take precautions to avoid suffering heat-related illnesses.
Local Forecast
Tuesday, July 12
A mix of sun and cloud. High 31. Humidex 36.
Night - Clear. Low 20.
Wednesday, July 13
A mix of sun and cloud with 40 percent chance of showers. High 32.
Night - Cloudy periods with 40 percent chance of showers. Low 21.
Markham recommends the following based on Health Canada guidelines:
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Drink plenty of cool liquids, especially water, to decrease your risk of dehydration.
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Wear loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing made of breathable fabric.
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Keep people and pets in your care out of parked vehicles and direct sunlight.
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Spend a few hours in a cool place - a tree-shaded area, swimming facility or an air-conditioned building such as a shopping mall, grocery store, place of worship or public library.
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Take cool showers or baths.
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Prepare meals that don't need to be cooked in your oven.
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Block sunlight by opening awnings, and closing curtains and blinds during the day.
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Avoid sun exposure - shade yourself by wearing a wide-brimmed, breathable hat or using an umbrella.
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If you are taking medication or have an existing health condition, ask your doctor or pharmacist if heat exposure increases your health risk and follow their advice.
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If you have an air conditioner with a thermostat, keep it set to somewhere between 22ºC (72ºF) and 26ºC (79ºF), which will reduce your energy costs and provide you with needed relief.
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If you have a window air conditioner, cool only one room where you can go for heat relief.
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Frequently visit friends, neighbours, and elderly family members, especially those who are chronically ill, to make sure they are cool and hydrated.
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Reschedule or plan outdoor activities during cooler parts of the day
Cooling Centres Available at Community Centres and Libraries
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Angus Glen Community Centre & Library, 3990 Major Mackenzie Drive East
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Armadale Community Centre & Library, 2401 Denison Street
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Cornell Community Centre & Library, 3201 Bur Oak Avenue
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Milliken Mills Community Centre & Library, 7600 Kennedy Road
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Thornhill Community Centre & Library, 7755 Bayview Avenue
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Centennial Community Centre & Library, 8600 McCowan Road
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Markham Village Library, 6031 Hwy 7
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Unionville Library, 15 Library Lane
For a complete list of facilities and hours of operation, visit markham.ca
Other Community-based Cooling Centres Available
Cornerstone Christian Community Church, 9680 Ninth Line
Hours of Operation:
9:00 a.m - 5:30 p.m.
Water Play Areas Open from 9:00 a.m. to Dusk
• Ashton Meadows Park, Unionville – 202 Calvert Road
• Bayview Lane Park – 32 Baymark Road
• Beaupre Park, Milliken Mills – 105 Golden Avenue
• Benjamin Marr Park, Cornell – 26 Gowland Road
• Berczy North Park – 447 The Bridle Walk
• Henry White Park - 135 Moss Creek Boulevard
• James Edward Park, Milliken Mills – 70 Elson Street
• John Payne Park – 130 Hazelton Avenue
• Leitchcroft Community Park - 185 South Park Road
• McQuay Park - 54 Clegg Road (Behind Condominiums)
• Millennium Park – 100 Town Centre Blvd.
• Milliken Mills Park – 4289 14th Avenue)
• Ray Street Park - 99 South Unionville Avenue
• Roseberry Park – 21 Bonnycastle Drive
• Simonston Park, Thornhill – 15 Simonston Boulevard
• South Unionville Park – 514 Caboto Trail
• Swan Lake Park – 25 Swan Park Road
• Tomlinson Park, Boxgrove – 98 Boxwood Crescent
• Upper Cornell Park, Markham – 128 Northvale Road
• Victoria Square Park – 2929 Elgin Mills Road East
• Wismer Community Park – 980 Bur Oak Avenue
• Yarl Cedarwood Park - 385 Elson Street
For more information on emergency preparedness visit Markham.ca/AreYouPrepared
(Source: City of Markham) |