Health officials in Middlesex and Elgin counties have issued their first heat warnings of the year.
The Middlesex-London Health Unit and Elgin Public Health issued the warnings on Friday afternoon, as daytime high temperatures are expected to exceed 30 C for several days.
The Middlesex-London Health Unit says it expects its warning will be in place until Wednesday, when the daytime high is likely to be 29 C.
Until then, it is advising people to protect themselves from heat-related illness by taking the following steps:
- Drink plenty of water and natural juices throughout the day, even if you don't feel very thirsty.
- Remember to take sips often and not to guzzle your drink.
- Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages, coffee and cola.
- Where possible, avoid spending too much time outdoors. If you must be outside, stay in the shade as much as possible. Plan necessary outdoor activities in the early morning or evening.
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat when outdoors.
- Keep window shades or drapes drawn and blinds closed on the sunny side of your home.
- Avoid turning on electric lights in the home.
- Take a cool bath or shower periodically or cool down with cool, wet towels.
- Wear loose fitting, light clothing.
- Avoid eating heavy meals and using your oven.
- Avoid intense or moderately intense physical activity.
- Never leave a child or pet in a parked car or sleeping outside in direct sunlight.
- Use fans to draw cool air at night, but do not rely on a fan as a primary cooling device during extended periods of excessive heat.
- Reduce the use of personal vehicles, stop unnecessary idling; avoid using oil-based paints and glues, pesticides and gas-powered small engines.
Symptoms of heat-related illness include rapid breathing, weakness or fainting, fatigue, headache, and confusion.
