Whitby: Parents and caregivers are being reminded to take precautions with infants and young children as a heat warning has been announced for today.
Environment Canada has issued a heat warning for the Durham region for conditions expected to begin July 19. A heat warning occurs when the forecast conditions include a daytime high of at least 31°C and overnight temperatures of 20°C or greater, or with Humidex values of at least 40 for two or more days.
The Health Department is advising area residents to take precautions to prevent heat-related illness during the upcoming heat warning. While extreme heat can put everyone at risk from heat illnesses, health risks are greatest for older adults, infants and young children.
Don’t leave kids or pets in car
It is crucial to remember to never leave infants and young children or pets inside a parked vehicle. This is especially important as when the outside air temperature is 23ºC/73ºF, the temperature inside a vehicle can be extremely dangerous and reach more than 50ºC/122ºF. Anyone seeing a child left unattended in a hot vehicle at anytime should call 911 immediately.
Parents and caregivers are encouraged to stay alert for symptoms of heat illness in children which could include:
- changes in behaviour (sleepiness or temper tantrums);
- dizziness or fainting;
- nausea or vomiting;
- headache;
- rapid breathing and heartbeat;
- extreme thirst; and
- decreased urination with unusually dark yellow urine
If you see children experiencing any of these symptoms during extreme heat, immediately move the child to a cool place and provide liquids, with water being the best option. For women who are breastfeeding, breast milk will provide adequate hydration for your baby, but remember to keep yourself hydrated, which will help you to produce a sufficient amount of milk.
Heat Stroke
In adults, the most dangerous heat illness is heat stroke with symptoms that include complete or partial loss of consciousness, or confusion and high body temperature. If caring for someone with these symptoms, call 911 immediately. While waiting for help, cool the person right away by moving them to a cool place, applying cold water to large areas of the skin or clothing, while fanning the person as much as possible.
Heat illnesses are preventable. Everyone is encouraged to take the following precautions to beat the heat and stay cool:
- Drink plenty of cool liquids, especially water, before feeling thirsty.
- Wear loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing made of breathable fabric.
- Take cool showers or baths until you feel refreshed.
- Take a break from the heat by spending a few hours in a cool place.
- Block out the sun by opening awnings and closing curtains or blinds during the day.
- Avoid sun exposure. Shade yourself by wearing a wide-brimmed, breathable hat or using an umbrella.
- Reschedule or plan outdoor activities during cooler parts of the day.
- Never leave people or pets in your care inside a parked vehicle or in direct sunlight.
For news and updates from Environment Canada, visit weather.gc.ca/warnings/report_e.html?on11. For more information about the Durham Region Heat Warning and Information System, or for additional tips on how to stay safe and what to do during extreme heat, please visit durham.ca/heat, or contact the Environmental Help Line at 1-888-777-9613 or 905-723-3818.
Clarington has asked you to cool off in one of our air-conditioned facilities, the Clarington Public Library, or beat the heat at one of Clarington’s splash pads.
Due to extreme heat Oshawa playground programs located at Coldstream and Bridle Park have been cancelled on Friday, July 19 and Monday, July 22. All other Playgrounds Program locations will run with an emphasis on passive games and activities in shade, with frequent breaks. Children should wear sunscreen, hat and bring a water bottle.
Also at Oshawa, Friday morning (Friday, July 19) swimming lessons offered at Camp Samac Outdoor Pool have been moved to Delpark Homes Centre due to the forecast of strong thunderstorms in the morning.
Artificial turf users should be aware of the potential for heat-related injuries. Ensure participants have access to drinking water, shade and take opportunities for breaks. Protect exposed skills from direct contact with turf.
Oshawa has plenty of options to stay cool during the hot weather:
- swim at an indoor or outdoor City pool– enjoy free leisure swims all summer at Rotary Park Pool or on long weekends at Camp Samac Pool!
- cool down at a neighbourhood Splash Pad
- stop by one of the City’s air-conditioned facilities
Beach Unsafe for Swimming
The following represents beach-posting information for Durham Region beaches. Test results for the week of July 15 indicate that one beach has been posted as unsafe for swimming due to elevated bacteria levels. Beaches are posted as unsafe for swimming when elevated levels of E. coli exceed the Provincial standard of 200 E. coli per 100 ml of water.
*Due to high water levels and debris in the area, the Health Department will delay beach sampling at Lakeview Beach West, Oshawa. The Health Department will continue to monitor access to this beach in the coming weeks and begin normal sampling when the area is considered safe.
he Health Department reminds the public not to swim in beach water for at least 48 hours after heavy rainfall, as bacteria levels can increase due to run-off.
Throughout the summer, the Health Department conducts bacteriological water tests to determine if these beaches are safe for swimming. The Public Health Ontario Laboratory in Peterborough provides analysis of all water samples submitted for testing.