Londoners urged to check on vulnerable as temperatures soar under the sizzling sun

Local Ark Aid Mission sets up system to help provide critical relief from the heat. CTV London’s Reta Ismail has the story.

With a heat warning in effect and temperatures soaring, local health officials and outreach organizations are urging Londoners to take precautions and help protect the most vulnerable members of the community.

Environment Canada issued a heat warning for the region, forecasting daytime highs between 30 and 33 degrees with humidex values reaching as high as 42. Overnight lows are expected to stay above 19, offering little relief.

The heat wave is expected to persist through Tuesday night.

In downtown London, the Ark Aid Mission has added a shaded patio and makeshift misting station to help people experiencing homelessness cool off.

Steven, who is currently unhoused, says it makes a big difference.

“It keeps you cool, and they give shade,” he said. “There’s no other shade in the city except for trees. And, without it, I don’t think a lot of people would survive, to tell you the truth.”

Sarah Campbell, executive director of Ark Aid Mission says they are doing what they can to help during the heat warning. She added that the Ark Aid is funded for just four hours of daily service but is operating 8 hours Monday through Friday, and 12 hours on Saturday and Sunday.

“Much like our winter planning, we look to find ways to get people indoors, give them an opportunity to rest, make sure that they have proper nourishment,” she said.

“We are working with our partners to make sure there’s an everyday location for lunch and dinner and breakfast. We really try to just take those basic needs one by one, having a shower, access to running water, a bathroom.”

The Middlesex-London Health Unit is reminding residents that extreme heat can be dangerous and even deadly especially for the elderly, infants and people without adequate housing.

“It can start with symptoms such as sweating, just some general fatigue and cramps and stuff like that,” said Dave Pavletic, manager of environmental health at the health unit. “And then it could lead to some more significant symptoms, which can be heatstroke which is a medical emergency.”

Pavletic encourages residents to take it easy, avoid strenuous outdoor activity and check in on others who may be at risk.

“You want to make sure that you check on family and friends, particularly folks that are elderly and may not have air conditioning, because the indoor heat can be a significant concern too,” he said.

Environment Canada says relief is on the way, with slightly lower temperatures expected by Wednesday.