Heat Warning in effect for August 4 and 5

Ottawa Public Health is issuing a heat warning for August 4 and 5, 2012 because the humidex is forecast to exceed 40 Celsius. It is important to know that extreme heat can cause dehydration, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and even death.

Infants, young children and the homeless are also at greater risk from extreme heat, along with people taking medications such as for Parkinsons and antidepressants. Ottawa Public Health (OPH) is encouraging people to check on family, friends and neighbours who may be isolated or vulnerable to the heat and need help accessing places to cool down.

To avoid heat-related illnesses, residents and visitors should:

Drink plenty of fluids, preferably water and avoid caffeine and alcohol
Avoid strenuous physical activity outdoors
Avoid direct exposure to the sun and seek shade and shelter at the first signs of heat exposure
Wear lightweight and loose clothing
Spend at least two hours a day in an air-conditioned location, including shopping malls, local libraries or neighbourhood community centres
Never leave children, the elderly or pets unattended in a car, even with the windows partly rolled down

Residents can cool down at City of Ottawa pools, splash pads, wading pools, beaches and community centres, as well as Ottawa Public Library branches. In addition, Rainbow Cinemas in the St. Laurent Centre has partnered with the City of Ottawa to provide reduced ticket rates to help people access air conditioning and to cool down during heat warnings.

High air pollution and UV index levels often occur during hot weather conditions.

People with breathing and heart problems and parents and caregivers of children should pay attention to the hourly Air Quality Health Index available at airhealth.ca or at 1-866-688-3810.
Check the forecasted UV index daily at theweathernetwork.com, local newspaper, television or radio. Choose a sunscreen and lip balm with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher.

As part of the City of Ottawa Heat Action Plan, OPH closely monitors the weather forecast for heat, smog and UV index levels and notifies residents, service providers and media when heat thresholds are met. We offer protective and proactive advice on how to deal with these summer conditions.

The smog and heat thresholds are:

Heat Advisory (humidex of 36 or more for a least two consecutive days)
Heat Warning (humidex of 40 or more for at least two consecutive days)
Heat Emergency (humidex of 45 or more for at least two consecutive days or situational factors)
Smog Advisory (based on air quality index (AQI) of > 50)
UV Index Warning ( UV index of 10 or higher)

For additional information on ways to beat the heat, visit ottawa.ca/health or call Ottawa Public Health Information at 613-580-6744 (TTY: 613-580-9656). Connect with us on Facebook and Twitter(@ottawahealth).

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