Lambton Community Health issued 3rd ‘Heat Alert’ of summer

Lambton Community Health issued the third record-breaking “Heat Alert” of the summer today.

This most recent alert is expected to remain in effect at least until Saturday when temperatures are expected to ease.

The heat alert is due to a combination of high temperatures and humidity that will affect Sarnia-Lambton over the next few days. Friday looks like it will be very hot at an expected 36° C.

Medical Officer of Health Doctor Christopher Greensmith reminds us that “extreme heat” puts physical distress on everyone. Risks include heatstroke, and heat exhaustion.

"Extreme heat puts physical distress on everyone, and can affect health in a number of ways," says Dr. Chris Greensmith, Medical Officer of Health. "The homeless, older adults, young children, people with chronic health conditions and psychiatric illnesses, those who are active, exercise or work in hot environments and those without air conditioning are at greatest risk and should 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 do not 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 do not have air conditioning in your home, go to the mall, library or recreational facility such as a cooling centre location.
• If you cannot access 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 and a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
• Avoid intense or moderately-intense physical activity.
• Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about your medication and increased health risks in 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, 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 the primary cooling devise during extended periods of excessive heat.

Cooling centers have reopened at locations including West Lambton Community Health Centre on Exmouth, The Inn of the Good Shepherd, The Moore Sports Complex, Shores Recreation Centre at Forest, Legacy Centre in Thedford, Oil heritage Community Centre Petrolia and Dawn-Euphemia Municipal Office.

Tags: heat alert, Lambton Community Health, lambton county, Weather