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COMMUNITY HEALTH SERVICES DEPARTMENT

Environmental Health & Prevention Services

160 Exmouth Street

Point Edward, ON N7T 7Z6

Telephone: 519-383-8331

Toll Free: 1-800-667-1839

Fax: 519-383-7092

NEWS RELEASE

Tuesday,September 10, 2013 For Immediate Release

Heat Alert Issued for Lambton County

Point Edward, ON –A HEAT ALERT has been issued by the Medical Officer of Health for Lambton CountyonTuesday, September 10based on the latest Environment Canada forecast. The alert will remain in effect until Wednesday evening when temperatures are expected to ease.

The heat alert is due to a combination of high temperatures andhumidity. Temperatures are expected to reach the low thirties with humidex readings of 40 and above.

Who is at risk?

While the heat affects everyone, health risks are greatest for older adults, infants and young children, people with chronic illnesses, people working outdoors, people active outdoors, and low-income earners and the homeless.

Iftakingmedication fora health condition, talk with yourhealth-care provider or pharmacist about the increased health risks in extreme heat; follow their recommendations.

Heat-related Illnesses are preventable, but can lead to long-term health problems, even death.

Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related illness. It develops after several days of exposure to high temperatures and inadequate replacement of fluids. Symptoms include heavy sweating, cool, moist skin, paleness and a fast, weak pulse. Fatigue, weakness, dizziness, and muscle cramps may indicate heat exhaustion.

Heatstroke is very dangerous.It occurs when the body is unable to control its temperature, and core body temperature rises rapidly. Symptoms include complete or partial loss of consciousness or confusion,dizziness, headache, nausea, high body temperature, red, hot and dry skin (no sweating), and a strong, rapid pulse.If someone has these symptoms, call 911 immediately.

While waiting for help, cool the person immediately by moving them to a cool place or shade, apply cool, not cold, water to large areas of the skin or clothing, and fan the person as much as possible. Drinking water is best.

Community Health Services advises local agencies and organizations working with high-risk individuals to recognize the risks and advise clients to take precautions. Everyone is encouraged to frequently visit neighbours, friends and older family members, especially the chronically ill, to ensure they are cool and hydrated.

Preventing Heat-related illness:

  • Limit time outdoors between 11 a.m.-4 p.m., when the sun is most intense.
  • Drink lots of water and natural juices, even if you donot feel thirsty.
  • Avoid drinking alcohol and caffeinated beverages.
  • Avoid heavy meals, and using your oven.
  • Avoid the sun or heat when possible. If you must go out, stay in the shade as much as possible.
  • If you donot have air conditioning in your home, go to the mall, library, recreation facility, or visit a cooling centre location.

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  • If you cannot access an air-conditioned facility, take a cool, not cold, shower or bath.
  • Keep curtains or blinds drawn during the hottest part of the day.
  • Wear light-weight, loose-fitting clothes. When outside, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
  • Avoid intense or moderately-intense physical activity.
  • Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about your medication and increased health risks in extreme heat.
  • Check on children, seniors, persons with disabilities and individuals with chronic illness. Make sure they are well hydrated and have no signs of heat-related illness.
  • Never leave anyone, including pets, in a closed, parked vehicle. Pets need access to a cool place and fresh water.
  • Use fans to draw cool air at night; do not rely on a fan as the primary cooling devise during extended periods of excessive heat.

Cooling Centre Locations

In addition to malls, libraries, recreation centres and other similar facilities, the following air conditioned locations are availablefor the public seeking relief from the heat:

Please note these locations are open during normal hours of operation only.

Sarnia:Lambton Shores:

West Lambton Community Health CentreForest - The Shores Recreation Centre

429 Exmouth St., Sarnia7883 Amtelecom Parkway, Forest

Monday: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.Every day: 8:30 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Tuesday-Thursday: 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

Friday: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Thedford - Legacy (Community Centre)

Closed weekends16 Allen St., Thedford

Every day: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

The Inn of the Good Shepherd

115 John St., SarniaPetrolia:

Monday-Friday: 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.Oil Heritage District Community Centre

Closed weekends360 Tank St., Petrolia

Monday-Friday: 6 a.m-9:30 p.m.

Good Shepherd's LodgeSaturday & Sunday: 8 a.m.-9 p.m.

950 Confederation St., Sarnia

Every day: 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.Dawn-Euphemia:

Dawn-Euphemia Municipal Office

St. Clair Township:4591 Lambton Line, Rutherford

Moore Sports ComplexMonday-Friday: 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

1166 Emily St., MooretownClosed weekends

Monday-Friday: 6 a.m.-8 p.m.

Saturday & Sunday: 12 (noon)-4 p.m.

Brooke-Alvinston:

Brooke-Alvinston Municipal Office

3236 River St., Alvinston

Monday-Friday: 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Closed weekends

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These locations are not required to offer additional services. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Pets are notpermitted.

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For more information, call Community Health Services at 519-383-8331 ext. 3601, toll free 1-800-667-1839 or visit

For more information about Lambton County, visit

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Contact:

Paul Buttery

Environmental Health Specialist

County of Lambton

Telephone: 519-383-8331 ext. 3601

email:

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