‘It takes its toll on you’: Extended heat wave across southern Ontario

A heat wave hitting southwestern Ontario has prompted protective measures in London. CTV London’s Bryan Bicknell has more.

Heavy work in the intense heat can be punishing.

Josh Cahill of London-based Innovative Landscaping & Design says he and his crew do whatever they can to stay safe while they work.

“Yeah, definitely takes its toll on you with the heat, especially, it’s draining,” exclaimed Cahill, as he and five landscapers worked to clear a London backyard of trees and growth and tear down a fence.

“At the end of the day you’re pretty exhausted. Just taking lots of breaks. Sometimes we’ll switch jobs to accommodate more shady jobs for heat waves like this.”

Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued a Yellow, or Extreme Heat Warning, with increased risk to health and daily activities. Dr. Anna Gunz of London Health Sciences Centre says people may not even realize they’re suffering from heat-related effects when it happens.

“Heat affects our whole body. Our mental health, and our physical health. So, the most important thing is to stay cool. And I think what people don’t realize, while it might be intuitive to get heat stress or heat stroke in the moment, it also sets us up, it puts a lot of strain on our body for other illnesses as well,” Dr. Gunz explained.

This is the first extended heat alert of the year. It’s expected to last all through the week and possibly into the weekend. Daytime temperatures between 31 C and 36 C are expected. The Middlesex London Health Unit (MLHU) says there won’t be much relief overnight, with lows from 22 to 25 C.

“It’s really important to check up on friends, families, neighbours who may be at increased risk of heat-related illnesses,” said Dave Pavletic, MLHU Program Manager for Environmental Health.

“Folks who are living in indoor environments where there’s no air conditioning is a significant risk. And just making sure that they have the necessary supports to get through this heat wave.”

Dr. Gunz says people need to take the time to slow down in conditions of intense heat.

“We need to stop going and going. It is hot outside, and if it’s hot outside as well, that affects our body. And so, the temperatures at which it does this, people with health effects, it’s going to start happening at 26, 27 degrees, especially if they can’t cool off at night,” she warned.

In the meantime, the City of London has opened all of its cooling centres in community centres and libraries during regular operating hours.

Manager of Aquatic Programs and Leadership Lisa Brandie says everyone is welcome to drop in and cool off.

“There’re all kinds of populations who need to stay cool in this weather and may not have the resources available to them. So, you want to make sure you open up as much as possible to the various populations that are out there that might need somewhere to go and be cool,” said Brandie.

The MLHU has provided the following recommendations to stay safe during the heat wave:

• Drink plenty of water and natural juices throughout the day, even if you don’t feel very thirsty.
• Never leave a child or pet in a parked car or sleeping outside in direct sunlight.
• Avoid drinking caffeinated or alcoholic beverages, including coffee and cola.
• When possible, avoid spending too much time outdoors. If you must be outside, seek shade as much as possible and plan outdoor activities in the early morning or evening.
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat when outdoors.
• Keep shades or drapes drawn and blinds closed on the sunny side of your home.
• Avoid turning on electric lights in your home.
• Take a cool bath or shower periodically or cool down with cool, wet towels.
• Avoid intense or moderately intense physical activity.
• Use fans to draw cool air at night, but do not rely on a fan as a primary cooling device during extended periods of excessive heat.
• Reduce the use of personal vehicles and unnecessary idling.
• Avoid using oil-based paints and glues, pesticides, and gas-powered small engines.