Heat warning issued for Gogama, Foleyet Chapleau, Missinaibi Lake

Public Health Sudbury and Districts warns of risks of continuous exposure, provides tips to prevent heat-related illness

Article content With hot, humid weather in the forecast for the next few days, Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued a heat warning within Public Health Sudbury and Districts’ service area in Gogama, Foleyet, Chapleau and Missinaibi Lake, to begin on Sunday. Heat warnings are issued by Environment and Climate Change Canada when the forecast rises for two days to 29 C or above during the day and 18 C or above at night, or the humidex is 36 or above. Recommended Videos In a media release, PHSD warned that continuous exposure to high levels of heat can lead to dehydration and illnesses such as heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat fainting, heat edema (swelling of hands, feet and ankles), heat rash, heat cramps (muscle cramps), and even death.

People who are most at risk include older adults, infants and young children, pregnant people, people with chronic illnesses, people who are unhoused, people who use alcohol or other drugs, and those who work or exercise in the heat. Those who take medications or have a health condition should consult their doctor or pharmacist to determine if they are at increased risk from the heat and follow their recommendations. “Although some individuals are at higher risk, anyone can suffer from heat-related illnesses,” Burgess Hawkins, a manager with PHSD’s health protection division, said in the health unit’s release.

“Everyone should take precautions.” Tips to prevent heat-related illness – Frequently visit or check in on neighbours, friends, and older family members, especially those who are chronically ill, to make sure that they are cool and hydrated. – Drink plenty of cool liquids, especially water, before you feel thirsty to reduce your risk of dehydration.

You may already be dehydrated before you feel thirsty. Babies may need to nurse or bottle-feed more often in hot weather. Follow your baby’s feeding cues.

Do not offer water to babies under six months of age. – Encourage children to drink frequently. – Reschedule or plan outdoor activities during cooler parts of the day.

– Wear loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing made of breathable fabric. – Never leave people or pets inside a parked vehicle or in direct sunlight, even if the windows are down. – Take a break from the heat by spending a few hours in a cool place.

– Take a cool bath or shower periodically, or cool down with cool, wet towels. – Prepare meals that do not need to be cooked in your oven. – Block sun out by closing awnings, curtains, or blinds during the day.

– Avoid sun exposure. Shade yourself by wearing a wide-brimmed, breathable hat, or using an umbrella. Signs and symptoms of heat-related illness include dizziness or fainting, nausea or vomiting, headache, rapid breathing and a fast heartbeat, extreme thirst, confusion and less urination with unusually dark yellow urine.

If residents experience these symptoms or if someone in their care does, they should contact a healthcare professional. They can also call or chat online with a registered nurse day or night for free, secure, and confidential health advice by contacting Health811 — visit health811.ontario.ca or call 811 (TTY 1-866-797-0007). In emergencies, call 911.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts offers information on beating the heat in apartment buildings, keeping pets safe, doing outdoor activities in heat and smog and keeping children safe during hot weather. Call Public Health Sudbury and Districts at 705-522-9200, ext. 464 (toll-free 1-866-522-200) or visit phsd.ca for more information.