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A hot sunny day combined with a warm overnight low has prompted Environment Canada to issue a special weather statement for Kenora, Grassy Narrows, Whitedog, Dryden, Vermilion Bay and the surrounding communities.
The special weather statement comes as the region experiences our first heat event of the season. Residents are reminded to stay hydrated and avoid excessive work during the hottest part of the day.
Below are some tips for dealing with hot weather:
- Planning ahead to reorganize activities if it is too hot.
- Drinking cool liquids, especially water, before you feel thirsty to decrease your risk of dehydration. Avoid drinks that are high in sugar, caffeine, or alcohol as they can increase the amount of water lost by your body.
- Seeking shade and avoiding sun exposure. Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, wear clothing that covers your skin, and using an umbrella for shade.
- Wearing loose-fitting, light-colored clothing made of breathable fabric
- Taking a break from the heat by going to a cooler place.
- Spend a few hours in an air-conditioned building, public pool, or taking a swim in the lake.
- Taking cool showers or baths until you feel refreshed.
- Blocking out the sun from your house by closing curtains or blinds during the day.
- Avoiding doing a lot of exercise or hard work.
- Never leave people or pets in your care inside a parked car or in direct sunlight.
- Visiting or checking on neighbours, friends or family members who might be at greater risk, to make sure they are cool and hydrated.
- Checking with you doctor or pharmacist if any of the medications you are taking increase health risk in heat or sun.
Signs and symptoms of heat illness include:
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Fainting
- Nausea or vomiting
- Headache
- Confusion
- Extreme thirst
- Decreased urination with dark yellow urine
- Rapid breathing and heartbeat