1230 Talbot Street, St. Thomas, ON N5P 1G9
p: 519.631.9900 | 1.800.922.0096
f: 519.633.0468 | elginhealth.on.ca
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Media Release
For Immediate Release
Heat Warning for Elgin St. Thomas – August 3, 2016
(Effective August 4 - August 5, 2016)
St. Thomas, Ontario,
The Health Unit is sending out a Heat Warning because Environment and Climate Change Canada is
predicting hot humid weather for the rest of the week. When it is really hot and humid outside, your
body may not be able to cool properly. This can lead to heat exhaustion or even heat stroke which
can be deadly.
The Health Unit sends out a heat warning when the weather forecast calls for the following
conditions two days or more in a row:


a daytime high temperature that is above 31 without the nighttime temperature cooling
down below 20 or
a humidex reading greater than 40 degrees Celsius.
Symptoms of heat-related illness may include: rapid breathing, dizziness or fainting, vomiting, rapid
heartbeat, and extreme thirst. Your body may make less urine (pee) and your urine may be darker in
colour.
If you or anyone you take care of has these symptoms, please move to a shaded or air conditioned
area, drink plenty of fluids, and rest. Contact your health care practitioner, a friend and/or a family
member.
Heat strokes are considered a medical emergency. Call 911 or your local emergency number
immediately if you or someone you care for has a high body temperature, is unconscious, confused
or has stopped sweating.
Friends, family and neighbors should check on those who may need help keeping cool or taking
other preventative actions. For more information on heat-related illness, visit
www.elginhealth.on.ca/extremeheat
1230 Talbot Street, St. Thomas, ON N5P 1G9
p: 519.631.9900 | 1.800.922.0096
f: 519.633.0468 | elginhealth.on.ca
Quote
“The elderly, very young and people with chronic illnesses are at higher risk of suffering from heatrelated illness,” said Dr. Joyce Lock, Medical Officer of Health. “However, even healthy people can be
affected if they participate in strenuous activities and do not take precautions.”
Quick Facts
Ways to help prevent heat-related illness:
 Drink plenty of fluids, especially water;
 Never leave anyone or pets in a parked car;
 Seek cooler or air conditioned spaces, such as shopping malls, arenas or any other public areas;
 If you are taking medication or have a health condition, ask your health care practitioner or
pharmacist if it increases your health risk in the heat and follow their recommendations;
 Check on elderly family members and neighbors daily to make sure they are keeping cool;
 Wear light-weight, loose fitting clothing.
Media Inquiries:
Andrew Powell, Manager, Health Protection Programs,
519.631.9900 ext.1277
- 30 -