Extreme Heat

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.

 Extended Heat Warning

The 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

 How to Treat Heat Stroke and Heat Exhaustion

Kawartha Lakes Paramedic Service offers the below tips to help you protect yourself and others:

Heat Exhaustion

• Move into the shade or an air-conditioned space;
• Loosen clothing or remove as much clothing as possible;
• Drink cool water or non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated beverages like sports drinks to help restore electrolyte balance;
• Take a cool shower or sponge bath;
• Spray cool water on yourself and sit in front of a fan;
• Massage or stretch cramping muscles;
• Monitor your temperature for changes in your condition that suggest heat stroke; and
• Seek emergency treatment or call 911 if attempts to decrease body temperature fail or if you experience chest pain, abdominal pain, persistent vomiting so that you can't keep down fluids, or if you develop any of the symptoms of heat stroke.

Heat Stroke

Heat stroke is an emergency situation in which the body loses its ability to cool itself. The internal body temperature rises to extremes, sometimes as high as 106 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat stroke can result in death if not treated promptly. If body temperatures aren't reduced, symptoms can progress to:

• Confusion, irritability, disorientation, or hallucinations;
• Seizures;
• Loss of consciousness and coma; and
• Death.

If you or someone you know is experiencing heat stroke call 911 right away, or go to the closest emergency room. While waiting for emergency services to arrive, you should:

• Move the person into the shade or into air conditioning;
• Elevate their feet higher than their head to reduce the chance of shock;
• Remove clothing and attempt to cool them down by wrapping them in a cool, wet sheet or spraying them with cool water and fanning them;
• Put ice packs or cold compresses under their arms, on their groin area, and behind their neck;
• Give them cool drinks only if they are not disoriented and not vomiting; and
• Stay with them until Paramedics arrive.

Vulnerable Populations

Analysis of morbidity and mortality data from previous extreme heat events reveals that the following population groups are more vulnerable due to underlying risk factors:

• older adults
• infants and young children
• people with chronic illnesses (e.g. psychiatric illnesses) or who are physically impaired
• people taking certain medications that affect heat sensitivity by interfering with the body’s cooling functions or water/salt retention (e.g. antihypertensives, antidepressants, antipsychotics, anti-Parkinson’s agents)
• socially disadvantaged individuals (e.g. low-income earners, homeless people, people living alone
• newcomers to Canada and transient populations (e.g. tourists)
• certain occupational groups (e.g. farmers, construction workers, miners, tree planters)
• those who are physically active

Early summer extreme heat events generally result in higher health impacts than those occurring later in the summer. Most people who are regularly exposed to high temperatures become acclimatized to hot environments. However, the body’s ability to acclimatize may be limited for some people, such as those with heart disease, older adults and young children. Acclimatization is due to physiological adaptation in both cardiovascular and sweating systems. The benefits of acclimatization lessen as a person’s exposure to high temperatures decreases.

 Other heat related illnesses

• Heat rash is a skin irritation caused by excessive sweating during hot, humid weather
• Looks like a red cluster of pimples or small blisters
• It often appears on the neck, groin or armpits

Heat Cramps

• Heat cramps are caused when sweating depletes the body’s salt and moisture levels
• Low salt levels in muscles causes painful cramps

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.