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Heat wave prompts provision
of cooling stations
By Liz Dadson

Weather

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In response to the heat wave this week, local municipalities have provided cooling stations for residents who need a place to beat the heat.

Wednesday, the temperature soared, along with the humidity to create hot, sticky conditions. Many outdoor activities have been curtailed and residents are urged to find somewhere with air-conditioning to survive the heat wave which is expected to continue through Friday and possibly the weekend.

In Kincardine, the Davidson Centre will be open daily, 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., said Roberta Trelford, community emergency management co-ordinator.

Also, the Kincardine and Tiverton Libraries can provide some relief from the heat. In Kincardine, the library is open Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and Sunday, 1-4 p.m. In Tiverton, the library is open Thursday, 1-7 p.m.; and Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

In Huron-Kinloss, the Lucknow and District Sports Complex and the Ripley-Huron Community Centre are both open, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., through to Friday, said Mike Fair, township parks and recreation director.

The City of Owen Sound has opened the library, the Bayshore Community Centre and City Hall as public cooling centres - water is also available at all three locations.

In Hanover, the P&H Centre, the Civic Centre and the library will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. as public cooling centres for the week.

The Grey Bruce Health Unit urges people to take care against heat-related illness, such as heat stress, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Here are some tips to help keep you cool:
 
Drink plenty of fluids. Water is your best choice. Choose drinks that do not contain alcohol or high amounts of sugar as they can cause you to lose body fluid. Also, avoid very cold drinks as they can cause stomach cramps.
 
Stay cool indoors. Keep shades drawn over sun-facing windows and use fans to move the air. Close windows during the day and open at night to allow circulation of cool air, if nighttime temperatures are cool enough. If you do not have air-conditioning at home, spend a few hours at a library, cinema, mall or other building that is kept cool during the day. Take a cool shower or bath. Use your stove and oven less often.  

 
Dress lightly. Wear loose-fitting, light-coloured clothes, sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat. Use sunscreen and lip balm with an SPF of 30 or higher.
 
Limit outdoor activity. Plan your day to limit outdoor activity to morning and evening hours. Try to rest in the shade. If working outside, schedule your heaviest work during the coolest part of the day.
 
Pace yourself. Rest frequently to allow your body to cool.
 
Be a buddy. At work, monitor the condition of your co-workers and have someone do that for you. Check with family, friends and neighbours at least once a day. It is important to have regular contact with people who have difficulty dealing with heat.
 
Use common sense. Do not leave infants, children or pets in a parked car. Provide plenty of fresh water for your pets and leave the water in a shady area.
 
For further information, look under Health Hazard at www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca

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Wednesday, July 20, 2011