Severe Weather

Ontario residents are affected by various types of severe weather both seasonally, and all year round. Severe weather includes storms, blizzards, hurricanes, and prolonged periods of extreme temperature. Monitor the radio and television stations for Environment Canada weather statements.

Visit Ontario Get Prepared for a detailed description of weather hazards and their associated risks.

Extreme Heat Safety Tips and Resources

Preparing for Extreme Heat Events

Emergencies can happen any time – it’s important to be prepared.

Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of cool liquids
Wear a hat and apply sunscreen
Limit outdoor time and seek air-conditioned spaces (consider visiting public buildings like malls, libraries, or cooling centres)
Know the symptoms of heat-related illnesses
Know where cooling centres are in your community
Have an emergency preparedness kit ready (which includes a water supply)
Monitor radio and television stations for extreme heart alerts

Heat-related Illnesses

Being aware of heat-related illnesses (such as heat rash, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke) and the symptoms associated with each is crucial.

Visit Ontario.ca/page/extreme-heat to learn more about heat-related illnesses, how to prevent them, and what to do if you are experiencing one.

In the event of a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.

Preventing Heat-related Illnesses

To help prevent heat illnesses...

Stay hydrated (drink plenty of cool liquids such as water)
Stay cool (dress in light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing)
Wear a hat and apply sunscreen
Spend the hottest parts of the day (typically 12 – 2 pm) in air-conditioned public buildings, such as a mall, library, or cooling centre
Place cool/wet towels, clothing, or icepacks around the body (focusing on the neck, armpits, and groin areas)

At Risk Populations

During extreme heat events, everyone is at risk. However, you are at greater risk of experiencing a heat-related illness if you:

Are 60 years of age or older
Are an infant/young child
Are pregnant
Have an existing illness
Take medications that affect hydration/temperature regulation
Have limited resources
Exercise/work outside

Learn how you can protect yourself, and the resources available to you at https://www.durham.ca/en/health-and-wellness/extreme-heat-and-humidity.aspx#Protect-yourself

Pet Safety

During extreme heat events, extra precautions need to be taken to keep our pets safe.

Even a short time in a hot environment can be life-threatening to your pet. Keep them safe by:

Limiting the amount of time spent outdoors (and testing the pavement using the back of your hand – if too hot, it can burn the pads on your dog’s feet)
Never leaving them unattended in a vehicle
Ensuring they have lots of water

Learn more about pet safety.

Additional Resources

https://www.ontario.ca/page/extreme-heat

https://www.durham.ca/en/health-and-wellness/extreme-heat-and-humidity.aspx

Power Outages and Restoration Resources – Elexicon Energy

The electrical supply company for Pickering is Elexicon Energy.
Outage map: https://elexiconenergy.com/outages
Report outages and downed power lines: 24-hour Outage Hotline 1.866.579.6819
Regular updates available at https://x.com/ElexiconEnergy
Other helpful outage safety links from Elexicon

Storms

if possible, take shelter in a building and stay indoors
if you have time, secure items that might be blown around or torn loose, such as lawn furniture
if you are driving, stop your car away from trees or power lines
if there is hail, stay away from windows, glass doors, and sky lights
if you are outside, crouch in the "leap frog" position to minimize ground contact, and avoid being under any trees. If there is lightning and you cannot get inside, lie in a depressed area such as a ditch or culvert

Hurricanes

try to stay inside, hurricane winds can quickly change in opposite direction and grow stronger
avoid using a cordless phone and stay away from items that conduct electricity
if you are outside, do not go to the shore to watch the storm, or head for shore immediately if you are out on the water

One The Esplanade
Pickering, Ontario
Canada L1V 6K7

905.683.7575

Department Contacts