IT’LL BE HOTTER THAN HADES FOR AT LEAST ANOTHER DAY … SO KEEP YOUR COOL

MUSKOKA — Hell hath no fury like this end of summer heat wave.

And it’s not over yet as “heat warning” alerts were lighting up cellphones across Muskoka today.

An extended heat warning has been issued for all areas within Simcoe Muskoka through to Wednesday, Sept. 6.

Which means kids back at school, outdoor workers and anyone vulnerable to high temperatures in their 30s any means overexertion will increase the risk of heat exhaustion, dehydration or heat stroke.

Brad Douglas and Mike Fraser were grateful this afternoon when a resident at Bay and Greavette brought them bottles of ice cold water to drink as they installed Bell fibre optic cable in Monday’s blistering heat.
Flip Gosieniecki, Brad Douglas and Mike Fraser, who work for Sentrex, have been working the past three months in Gravenhurst putting in the high-speed internet and have a couple more to go .

During periods of heat, you should be careful of your health and look for ways to avoid overheating, says the health unit.

They recommend everyone drink plenty of water. Don’t wait until you feel thirsty – that’s a sign that your body is already becoming dehydrated.

Stay cool indoors by drawing blinds or curtains to prevent radiant heat from entering homes.

If you have air conditioning, turn it on to keep temperatures to 26 ºC or below. If you don’t have air conditioning, use fans in the evenings and early morning to circulate cool air from outside. Remember, that while fans can provide comfort by increasing evaporation during periods of extreme heat, they will not prevent heat-related illness and therefore should not be relied upon as a primary cooling method.

Remember, indoor temperatures of 31ºC and above can be dangerous. Seek safe, cool spaces such as libraries, shopping malls, community pools or parks with lots of shade.

If you are spending time outside, stay in the shade and make sure you wear and reapply sunscreen, wear a broad-brimmed hat, sunglasses and light-weight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.

Reduce physical activity and adjust your schedule to do necessary activities during cooler parts of the day.

Everyone can be affected by heat, however some people are more susceptible to harm from to the effects of extreme heat, including: infants and young children; older adults; people with existing health conditions (e.g., heart and lung conditions, cancer), mental illness or cognitive impairment; individuals living alone or are social isolated; and people taking certain prescription medications. Check on family, friends and neighbours to make sure they are staying cool and healthy and indoor temperatures are comfortable. The National Collaborating Centre for Environmental Health has a guide to help you do in-person or virtual health checks during extreme events.

For more information about extreme heat, visit the health unit’s website at www.smdhu.org/heat or call Health Connection weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520.