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 

The Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex is your designated Cooling Centre during periods of extreme heat warnings.

 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

Visit https://www.pickering.ca/en/living/PetSafetyTips.aspx for more pet safety tips.
 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

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