Excessive High Heat Alert Issued for Niagara
Residents are Reminded to Protect their Health
- Scheduling outdoor activities carefully. If you must be outside, plan your activities either before noon or in the evening. Rest frequently in shady areas.
- Drinking plenty of fluids, unless fluid is restricted by one's physician.
Infants, children, the elderly, people with high blood pressure, people with heart and/or respiratory problems and those who work or exercise outdoors are at possible risk of developing heat-related illness.
Heat-related illness occurs in three stages: heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. A person with heat stroke may feel confusion, dizziness, nausea, muscle swelling, heart disturbances and/or a headache. Other symptoms include seizure, unconsciousness and/or coma. Seek immediate medical attention for heat stroke.
The public is encouraged to call or visit friends and neighbours whose health is at risk due to the hot weather.
Steps to Minimize Heat-Related Illness
- Never leave infants or young children in a parked car. Dress them in cool,
loose clothing and shade their heads and faces with hats or an umbrella. Ensure
that infants and children drink adequate amounts of liquids and that they
are protected with sunscreen.
- People over 65 years of age may not compensate for heat stress efficiently
and are less likely to sense and respond to changes in temperature. Stay in
cool areas and use air conditioning. When the temperature is in the high 90s
or higher, a fan will not prevent heat-related illness. A cool shower or bath
is more effective.
- People who are unaccustomed to exercising in hot weather should start slowly
and pick up the pace gradually. If exertion makes the heart pound and causes
gasping, stop all activity, and rest in a cool area.
- People who are overweight may be prone to heat sickness because of their
tendency to retain more body heat. They should stay in cool areas and use
air conditioning.
- Any health condition that causes dehydration makes the body more susceptible
to heat sickness. Consult your doctor.
- For those at risk due to high heat and humidity, it is even more important to drink plenty of fluids, avoid overexertion, and get a doctor's or pharmacist's advice about medications taken for high blood pressure, depression, nervousness, mental illness, insomnia or poor circulation.
© Niagara Region - 1815 Sir Isaac Brock Way, Thorold, ON, L2V 4T7 - Phone: 905-980-6000, Toll-free: 1-800-263-7215
