Special Weather Statement – Information from Public Health
Please see below for an important message from the EOHU Medical Officer of Health.
A heat event is forecasted to begin on 2024-06-05 for the following regions:
- United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry
- United Counties of Prescott-Russell
- City of Cornwall
- Lanark County
- United Counties of Leeds & Grenville
A special weather statement is issued by Environment and Climate Change Canada when there is an episode of high heat early in the season (e.g., May, June) and people are not yet acclimatized to warm temperatures, which may pose a health risk.
During a special weather statement, everyone is at risk, however health risks are greater for: older adults, infants and young children, people with chronic illnesses, people who work in the heat, people who exercise in the heat, homeless people and low-income earners.
Heat-related illnesses are preventable. Follow these tips to reduce the risk of a heat-related illness:
- Drink plenty of cool liquids, especially water, before you feel thirsty to decrease your risk of dehydration. Thirst is not a good indicator of dehydration.
- Reschedule or plan outdoor activities during cooler parts of the day.
- Wear loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing made of breathable fabric. Dress babies and young children very lightly and do not bundle them in blankets or heavy clothing.
- Never leave people or pets in your care inside a parked vehicle or in direct sunlight.
- Take a break from the heat by spending a few hours in a cool place. It could be a tree-shaded area, an airconditioned spot, or a cooling centre.
- Take cool showers or baths until you feel refreshed.
- Prepare meals that don’t need to be cooked in your oven.
- Block sun out by closing awnings, curtains or blinds during the day.
- Avoid sun exposure. Shade yourself by wearing a wide-brimmed, breathable hat or using an umbrella.
- Limit your physical activity.
- Be aware that children are unable to perspire as much as adults, and are therefore more prone to heat stress.
- Do not allow young children with chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma to partake in sporting events or exercise.
- For more information on how to protect yourself from heat-related illnesses, visit http://www.EOHU.ca/heat.
Monitor Environment and Climate Change Canada’s website to find out when the alert is terminated.
Weather CAN app – www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/
Weather alerts for Canada: https://weather.gc.ca/