The Eastern Ontario Health Unit (EOHU) is warning residents to take precautions as temperatures are expected to hit daily highs of 31 degrees Celsius for the next few days, and only dropping to the low 20s overnight.
Residents are being advised to take precautions to prevent heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke, edema, exhaustion, and dehydration. Symptoms of these heat-related illnesses include dizziness, fainting, nausea and vomiting, headache, extreme thirst and elevated heartrate and breathing.
The EOHU suggests drinking plenty of cool liquids, avoid sun exposure, and take frequent breaks from the heat in an air-conditioned room or in a shady area. The health unit also urges residents to check-in on their neighbours and family members, especially the elderly and chronically ill.
Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Call 911 if someone has a high body temperature, is unconscious, seems confused or disoriented, or has stopped sweating. Bring them out of the heat and cool them with a cold cloth or fans until help arrives.
For more information visit the EOHU webpage – www.eohu.ca/heat
