Staying Cool During The Hot Weather

Thursday, 4 July 2019 16:47

Southwestern Public Health is reminding people to stay cool while the temperatures continue to rise. Cooling stations are also available throughout the County and other resources like the 211 service to let the community know what is available to them during the hot weather.

OXFORD COUNTY - Southwestern Public Health is reminding people to stay cool during with the hot weather.

Public Health Nurse Vicki Goodlett says it's important to keep the whole family safe. She explains which kinds of people are at risk.

"You just have to make sure that you're prepared for it. Older adults, younger infants and children, people with chronic diseases and people that work outside and exercise outside are at higher risk of at having averse reactions to the heat."

Goodlett says it's important to be prepared during the hot temperatures, either by taking breaks while you're outside or go out when it cools down.

She is also encouraging people to not leave your pets and children in the car.

"So just make sure that if you are out with pets and children that you take them in with you wherever you're going and not leave them in a hot vehicle because even when the temperature outside is, let's say 23 degrees Celsius, the temperature inside the vehicle can get to more than 50 degrees Celsius pretty quickly. So make sure you're checking the vehicle before you get out and make sure there's not a pet or a child left in there, and when you're out of the vehicle make sure it's locked so that kids aren't getting and getting stuck in the vehicle and you not know about it. "

While we experience hot temperatures for the next few days, cooling stations are available throughout the County.

Emergency Management Coordinator for Oxford County, Dave Colvin says the stations are important.

"These are facilities that are available to the community every day and it's good to have that option and cool down, and talk to people. Also, the 211 service. If you need assistance calling them and they should be able to tell you what's available to you. Southwestern Public Health has a great page showing where cooling centres are normally setup when the plans are activated, so those are some good resources and it's good to know that in advance."

Colvin adds the County's 72 hour website to be informed on the risks and the measures you should take, along with being prepared.

Environment Canada sent out a Special Weather Statement to the region yesterday and it is expected to stay in the region through Friday, with temperatures reaching into the high thirties, and even climbing close to 40 degrees by tomorrow afternoon in some areas.