MUSOKA — If you need to get out of the heat and in Muskoka this weekend, there are several places to cool your jets.

Gravenhurst has you covered.

The Centennial Centre (101 Centennial Dr.,) is open to public during normal hours of operation as a place to cool down.

“We want our residents to know that they have a cool, safe place to go to escape from the heat when an alert is issued,” said Todd Clapp, Gravenhurst Community Emergency Management Coordinator.

“With temperatures in the thirties and high humidity expected to last throughout the weekend, it’s important to regularly monitor those people that are at the greatest risk including children and seniors. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water and taking frequent breaks into cooler areas is essential.”

The Centennial Centre is open Friday until 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Town staff would also like to remind everyone of the dangers of leaving pets in hot vehicles.

Temperatures inside parked vehicles, even when left in the shade with windows down, can change rapidly and become fatal to pets within a short period of time. They urge all residents and visitors to not leave their pets in vehicles during warm weather months.

If you come across a pet in a hot vehicle that is showing signs of heat exhaustion, please contact by-law at 705-687-3412 Ext. 241.

If it is an emergency and the animal is showing obvious signs of destress, contact OPP at 1-88-310-1122.

HUNTSVILLE:

Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement regarding high heat and humidity today and into Saturday July 20.

The Town of Huntsville would like to remind residents of the resources available to them.

The public is welcome to access the air-conditioned environment at the following town facilities during regular business hours:

• Canada Summit Centre and Active Living Centrelocated at 20 Park Drive
  • Huntsville Public Library located at 7 Minerva Street East

The Simcoe-Muskoka District Health Unit recommends during high heat events that you stay in a cool location as much as possible, drink plenty of fluids and if you must be outside to limit your activities.

Residents can visit Environment Canada or follow local media channels for weather updates.

BRACEBRIDGE:

The Town of Bracebridge reminds local residents and visitors to the community that the Town’s facilities are open for use as “cooling centres” during the forecasted hot weather today and tomorrow.

Meteorologists are forecasting significant heat and humidity with daytime temperatures in the low to mid-thirties with humidex values of 40 or higher today and again on Saturday.

Little relief is expected tonight and Saturday night as temperatures will only fall to the low to mid-twenties with humidex values remaining near 30 C.

The town says it wants to take a proactive stance to ensure the safety of all of residents and visitors.

Cooling centres provide an air-conditioned environment where people can go to cool down during a heat spell. Spending just a few hours in an air-conditioned environment can bring down the body’s core temperature and make it easier to handle the heat.

Town facilities are open as follows:

Bracebridge Public Library 94 Manitoba Street Friday, July 19 – 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Saturday, July 20 – 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Bracebridge Sportsplex (Lobby only) 110 Clearbrook Trail Friday, July 19 – 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Saturday, July 20 and Sunday, July 21 – 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

The following information is provided by Ontario’s Ministry of Health regarding extreme heat conditions:

Health Effects Adverse health effects can occur as a direct result of exposure to excessive heat:

• Heat cramps: symptoms/signs include painful muscular cramps, usually in the legs orabdomen
• Heat exhaustion: symptoms/signs include heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, fainting.
• Heat stroke: symptoms/signs include headache, dizziness, confusion or other altered mental state and fainting. Skin may be hot and dry, or the individual may be sweating due to high body temperature. This is a medical emergency that can prove fatal.

Increases in other health problems can also be seen, especially for those with other chronic medical conditions such as heart conditions.

You should consult a healthcare provider or call Telehealth Ontario (1-866-797-0000 or TTY at 1-877- 797-0007) if you experience any of the above symptoms.

 Things You Can Do to ProtectYourself:

• Check the weather network for information regarding weather and humidex reports.
• Check the Ministry of the Environment for information regarding smog alerts.
• Wear light, loose fitting clothes.
• Drink plenty of water or natural fruit juices.
• Avoid beverages such as alcohol, coffee, tea or cola.
• Eat light, cool foods, and try to avoid using the oven or other hot appliances.
• Stay in air conditioned rooms, either at home, at a friend’s place, or in public spaces such as malls, libraries, community centres or specially designated facilities.
• If you do not have air conditioning at home, open windows slightly but keep blinds closed during the day on the sunny side of your home.
• Keep indoor lights low or turned off. • Take cool baths or showers periodically to cool down.
• If outdoors, stay in the shade and avoid strenuous physical activities. Wear sun block and ahat.
• Check up on friends, family and/or neighbours regularly who may be at high risk during a heat event.
• Do not leave people or pets in parked vehicles as they can get very hot.