Heat warning continues in Grey-Bruce

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As extreme heat engulfed Grey-Bruce for a second consecutive day Tuesday, people were being advised to protect against heat-related illness and to think about those who may be at risk due to the sweltering conditions.

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A heat warning from Environment Canada warned of dangerously hot and humid conditions that were expected to persist through most of the week. Daytime highs were expected to be 30 to 35 degrees Celsius with humidex values of 40 to 45. Overnight temperatures were forecast to fall to between 20 and 23 C, with humidex values of 26 to 30.

Safe ‘n Sound executive director Annette Pedlar said people are moving slowly and are more irritable in the heat, but they are doing the best they can to provide citizens with a place to relax and stay hydrated.

“Yesterday we saw a lot more people than usual and again today too,” Pedlar said. “We bought some tents and put them up in the backyard to offer some shaded areas because it doesn’t have any shade otherwise.”

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The organization, which helps people at risk of being homeless or experiencing homelessness, kept their drop-in facility on 8th Street East open for an extra hour, closing at 4 p.m. on Monday. Pedlar said they planned to expand their hours and stay open until 7:30 p.m. from Tuesday to Thursday.

Pedlar said they had 45 people stop in in the first three hours they were open on Tuesday, whereas they would normally see about 25 to 30 in a morning at this time of year.

Pedlar said she worries about those people they may not see at the drop-in centre because it is too hot to even walk there for some.

“When we don’t have funding to stay open into the evenings it means our folks need to go into businesses or other spaces that may be air-conditioned that aren’t ideal for them,” Pedlar said. “I worry about increased disruption around town.”

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They have been handing out sports drinks and water they have purchased and received through donations. She said the community has been very supportive with donations.

They have also been encouraging people to have cool showers. Coincidentally they had someone cutting hair at their drop-in centre on Monday, with many people choosing short haircuts.

Pedlar said their air conditioner was having problems and she was hopeful it could be fixed.

The organization has also put out a call for items to keep people cool. Among the items they were asking to be dropped off at 310 8th St. E. between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. were hats such as baseball caps, sunscreen, bottled water or Gatorade, useable water bottles, umbrellas, fans and summer clothes like shorts and tank tops.

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Environment Canada noted in its heat warning that temperatures and humidex values may be several degrees cooler near the shore of the Great Lakes, but it was still 31.3 C at the Wiarton airport at midday, above the daytime record of 30.9 C, set in 2007. On Monday, the high at Wiarton reached 30.4 C, which was just below the record for June 17 of 31.2 C set in 1992.

Grey Bruce Public Health warned on Monday that the conditions posed an elevated risk of people developing heat-related illnesses, such as heat stroke, heat exhaustion, or heat cramps. Heat illness can develop quickly and can lead to long-term health problems and even death, the health unit said.

Among those at higher risk of heat illness are older adults, infants or young children, people with chronic illness, those who are pregnant, newcomers to Canada, and people who work, exercise or play sports in the heat.

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People were told to avoid sun exposure, limit physical activity and drink plenty of cool liquids, especially water.

Other ways to reduce the risk of developing heat-related illness include wearing loose fitting, light-coloured breathable clothing, doing outdoor activities at cooler times of the day, taking a break by finding a cool place for a few hours, blocking out the sun indoors, shading oneself with a wide-brimmed hat or umbrella and asking a health-care provider if any medications being taken or health condition increase your health risk in the heat.

Symptoms of heat stroke can include high body temperature, confusion, loss of consciousness, a headache, dizziness or nausea. 911 should be called immediately if someone is suspected to be experiencing heat stroke and they should be moved to a cool place if possible.

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The hot and humid air can also bring deteriorating air quality and can result in the Air Quality Health Index approaching the high risk category, Environment Canada warned.

In Owen Sound, residents were being reminded of a number of public places available in the city that serve as cooling centres. They include the Owen Sound and North Grey Union Public Library from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday to Thursday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; the shared corridor of the Julie McArthur Regional Recreation Centre from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Friday and 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday; and Owen Sound City Hall 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday.

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There are refill stations for water bottles at the Lumley-Bayshore, rec centre, city hall, library and Tom Thomson Art Gallery.

Residents are also reminded the Good Cheer Splash Pad is open daily at Kelso Beach at Nawash Park.

Shelley and Shane Keeling of Waldemar, Ont., were at the Harrison Park pool cooling off on Tuesday afternoon with their 16-month-old granddaughter Abigail Tuck. The Keelings, who were in town babysitting Abigail for the day, said nearby Orangeville doesn’t have an outdoor public pool like the one at Harrison Park. The water on Tuesday was a comfortable 85 degrees Fahrenheit

“The water is just beautiful,” Shelley Keeling said.

The pool at the park opened for the season on Monday, just in time for the heatwave. Sponsored free swims take place Wednesdays from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., Thursdays from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. and Sundays from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

In Meaford, the library at 11 Sykes St. N and the community centre at 151 Collingwood St. W were also open for residents to cool off during the day this week.

Those in need of emergency shelter or other assistance during the heatwave can call the 211 helpline, which can help connect people to social services, programs and community supports.

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