Extreme heat continues in southern Ontario

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Heat warnings in effect

Keeping dogs safe during a heat wave

The heat warning continues for communities across southern Ontario.

Environment Canada says daytime highs could hit 30 to 35 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, but with the humidex, it could feel closer to 40 or even 45.

According to the Eric D. Soulis Weather Station at the University of Waterloo, it reached 35 degrees Celsius on Monday and that was the third-highest temperature ever recorded in their 27-year history. The highest was 35.7 degrees Celsius on July 11, 2011, followed by 35.2 degrees Celsius on Aug. 8, 2001.

Signs of heat illness

Heat illness is a serious concern when the mercury rises, especially in older adults, infants, young children, pregnant people, those with physical or mental illnesses, people with mobility issues, those who work outside and the homeless community.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion include:

• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness or fainting
• Extreme thirst
• Dark urine and decreased urination
• Intense fatigue
• Confusion or lack of coordination
• Skin rash
• Muscle cramps
• Heavy sweating
• Rapid breathing and heartbeat

Heat stroke, meanwhile, is considered a medical emergency.

Those symptoms include:

• High body temperature
• Very hot, red skin
• Confusion or change in consciousness
• Dizziness or fainting
• No sweating

If someone is experiencing heat stroke, experts advise moving them to a cool place, giving them water and placing ice packs on their body. Call 911 immediately.

The Waterloo Region Association of Professional Paramedics is also warning that a graphic circulating online about heat stroke and heat exhaustion contains misleading information.

Beating the heat

The key to avoiding heat illness is to plan ahead.

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Know the weather forecast before going outside
• Modify your plans according to the weather
• Drink plenty of cool liquids, especially water, even before you feel thirsty
• Avoid drinks that are high in sugar, caffeine or alcohol
• Wear loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing made of breathable fabric
• Seek shade
• Avoid sun exposure if you can
• Take breaks as needed
• Avoid using your oven
• Take a cool shower or bath
• Take a break by spending a few hours in a cool place
• Close blinds and shades,
• Turn on air conditioning or use a fan

Cooling centres

The best way to get relief from the heat and humidity is to seek out a designated cooling centre.

The Region of Waterloo has locations listed on their website. They include libraries, community centres, museums and regional offices.

The map also includes a list of public swimming pools and splash pads.

Seeking relief in schools

The Waterloo Region District School Board said steps will be taken to protect the well-being of students and staff, including:

• Keeping drapes and windows closed on the sunny side of schools
• Closing classroom lights and computers when not needed
• Air ventilation systems to be left open to allow cooler night air in
• Personal fans (if approved for use)
• Students rotated through rooms with air conditioning
• Encouraging students and staff to drink plenty of fluids
• Discouraging physical exertion
• Limiting sun exposure between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Protecting your pets

Leaving pets inside a hot vehicle, even for a few minutes, may be dangerous.

Dogs can experience heatstroke, which could lead to organ failure and, ultimately, death.

The Humane Society of Kitchener Waterloo & Stratford Perth said once the weather starts to get warm, they receive calls daily from people spotting pets left alone in cars.

“Oftentimes by the time the police get there or some service agency is on site, the owner has returned, and then it’s a conversation and an education piece about how to make sure this doesn’t happen again,” said Stacy Murphy, Outreach Coordinator with the Humane Society.

She said owners should never make an excuse and leave animals alone in a vehicle.

“Even if there’s water in the car, even if you leave the car running with the air conditioner on, you never know when your battery might die. It’s just not worth the risk,” she said.

The Humane Society said it is best to call police first and then contact them.

According to the Waterloo Regional Police Service, they received six calls about pets left in parked vehicles in the last week.

“Temperatures inside can quickly become hotter than the temperature outside, and cracking a window does not help,” they warned in a social media post.

Signs of an overheated pet include:

• Excessive panting
• Drooling
• Vomiting
• Collapsing
• Lethargy
• Tongue can appear red or hang out of their mouth

If your pet is suffering from the heat, it’s a good idea to gradually cool them down. Experts suggest using a cool blanket or towel that is wet. Avoid using ice.

“Ice water can shock animals. So it’s important to cool them down gradually,” Murphy said.

Owners should keep pets at home when the temperature climbs but if they need to go outside, keep them off the pavement as much as possible, only go for a short walk, or take them out in the morning or evening when it’s cooler.

“If you can’t put your hand on the pavement and not get too hot too quickly, then your pet probably can’t be walking on the pavement in that heat,” said Murphy.

Anyone concerned about the well-being of an animal is advised to call 911.