Extreme Heat | City of Kawartha Lakes

During the summer months, extreme heat can pose severe health risks. The municipality of Kawartha Lakes is committed to ensuring that all residents and visitors stay safe from the effects of extreme heat. If there is an emergency, the Kawartha Lakes Paramedic Service will be there to help. However, the best way to ensure everyone's safety is to take precautions and learn more about heat management in Kawartha Lakes.

Current Heat Alert:

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What are the different Heat Alerts?

Please note that heat warnings will always be shared 12 to 18 hours in advance of the Heat Event.

No Active Heat Warning

The temperature is under 31°C during the day and under 20°C (night) at night. Or, a Humidex is under 40°.

Heat Warning

The temperature reaches 31°C or higher during the day, and is 20°C or higher at night for at least 2 days. Or a Humidex of 40°C or higher for at least 2 days.

Heat Warning

he temperature reaches 31°C or higher during the day, and is 20°C or higher at night for at least 3 days. Or a Humidex of 40°C or higher for at least 3 days.

Or

Ministry of Health has determined a heat emergency from reports of heat related illness or co-existed community emergency such as power outage.

Important Information about Heat Events

Signs and Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion and Stroke

Infographic comparing heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat exhaustion: faint, dizzy, headache, sweating, irritability, rapid pulse, shallow breathing, pale clammy skin, nausea, cramps. Treatment: rest in cool shaded area, drink water, apply cool compresses. Heat stroke: no sweating, severe headache, hot red dry skin, temp above 103, nausea, rapid pulse, confusion, convulsions, unconsciousness. Treatment: call 911, cool victim with water or wet towel.

Municipal Locations Available to Help Beat the Heat

For those who may not have air conditioning and are looking for a place to cool off, the municipality offers the following to help you beat the heat:

Public Swimming at the Lindsay Recreation Complex and the Forbert Pool (Bobcaygeon)
Splash pads, which are located at Tommy Anderson Park, Elgin Park, Garnet Graham Park and Logie Park are open daily from 10am to 8pm. The Boys and Girls Club of Kawartha Lakes also has a splash pad on 107 Lindsay Street South (Lindsay) which is open to the public Saturdays, Sundays and statutory holidays from 10am to 5pm.
Public Skating at the Lindsay Recreation Complex
All Public Libraries branches, which have air conditioning
Public beaches

Cooling centres (available during extended heat warnings only)

Cooling centres are available to residents during extended heat warnings only at the following location and times. Access to washrooms, water, seating and air conditioning will be available.

Lindsay Recreation Complex
Monday to Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm
Saturday and Sunday 11am to 5pm

In addition, all 14 of our public library branches have air conditioning. Residents looking to cool down are encouraged to check your local public library branch hours for a place to go to do so.

Never Leave Children or Pets in a Locked Vehicle

Never leave children or pets inside a locked vehicle.
When the outside air temperature is 23 degrees Celsius (73 degrees Fahrenheit), the inside of a vehicle can be more than 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit).

Know the Weather

Always stay informed about the weather and any possible heat events by subscribing to our newsroom, checking this webpage frequently and looking at your local weather.

New External Resource: HeatHealth

What is HEATHEALTH?

a landing place for information about out warming climate and the health risks that come with it
information designed to reduce your personal danger from heat and its related environmental effects
created by concerned medical doctors and healthcare collaborators

Visit HEATHEALTH today to learn more about what you can do to prepare yourself for the heat and our changing climate.

Other Tips and Tricks

Never leave children or pets alone in a closed or parked vehicle
Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water even if you don’t feel thirsty
Avoid going out in the heat and stay in the shade as much as possible
Check in regularly with vulnerable family members, neighbours, friends and others who could be affected by the extreme heat
Take frequent breaks if you work outdoors
Avoid wearing dark colours because they absorb the sun’s rays
Avoid strenuous exercise or physical activity during the hottest part of the day

Tips to keep your body cooler during heat exposure:

Drink fluids regularly
Move around and avoid standing in one place for too long
Wear a hat and light summer clothing protects from sun exposure
Take breaks in the shade
Protect yourself against sunburn – apply sunscreen!
Avoid heavy meals mid-day