Lakelands Public Health Urging Residents to Stay Inside During Air Quality and Heat Warnings

Lakelands Public Health is urging residents of Haliburton, Kawartha, Peterborough and Northumberland to take precautions to protect against heat- and air quality-related illnesses. Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued Heat and Air Quality Warnings for the region. When both heat and air quality warnings are in place, most people should prioritize keeping cool.

Most of the region is under a Yellow Air Quality Warning. The Air Quality Health Index for the region over the next 24 hours ranges from moderate risk (6) to very high risk (10+).

Residents are urged to monitor local conditions and take all necessary precautions. In addition, the entire region remains under a Yellow Heat Warning, which was issued on Monday, July 13th.

Both heat and poor air quality can impact the health of anyone, however, some populations may be more vulnerable to health impacts – including the elderly, people with certain medical conditions (e.g., cardiovascular, respiratory), people who are pregnant, and children and infants.

Cooling Centre

Township of Douro-Dummer Town Hall is available to residents as a cooling centre. 

The space can be used to cool-off and charge your devices.

Open During Office Hours:

• Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 
• Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Location: 

• 894 South Street, Warsaw ON, K0L 3A0

Impacts of Poor Air Quality 

The Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) is forecasted to reach 10+, or “very high risk” for some parts of the region. Common symptoms of poor air quality include sore and watery eyes, runny nose, sinus irritation, scratchy throat, mild coughing, and headaches. More severe symptoms can include wheezing, chest pains, or severe coughs. If you think you are having a medical emergency, call 9-1-1.

To help reduce your health impacts from poor air quality:

• When indoors, keep windows and doors closed as much as possible
• Using a certified portable air cleaner and/or the highest-quality air filter that your ventilation system can, may help protect indoor air

If you are at higher risk:

• Avoid strenuous activities outdoors
• Consult your primary care provider about how to protect your health
• Reduce or reschedule strenuous outdoor activities, especially if you experience symptoms such as coughing or throat irritation
• Check the Air Quality Health Index forecast daily
• If there is wildfire smoke in the area, wearing a well-constructed, well-fitting, and properly worn respirator type mask (e.g. N95) can reduce your exposure to the fine particles in the smoke

Impacts of Heat-Related Illness

Heat-related illnesses include dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. If you are experiencing heat exhaustion, move to a cool space and drink water.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion include:

• tiredness and weakness
• dizziness and/or fainting
• rash
• nausea or vomiting
• extreme thirst 
• headache
• decreased urination with unusually dark yellow urine

To help reduce your risk of heat-related illnesses:

• Stay hydrated; drink lots of water even if you don’t feel thirsty.
• Avoid going out during the hottest time of the day and avoid direct sun.
• Wearing loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing.
• Avoid strenuous outdoor physical activity.

Keep your home cooler by:

• Closing blinds and curtains
• Turning off heat-generating lights or appliances
• Preparing meals that don’t use your oven
• Never leave people or pets inside a parked vehicle or in direct sunlight.
• Contact your local municipality to ask about designated public cooling centres or visit public spaces such as libraries or malls that are air conditioned, or local beaches and splash pads.

Emergency Contacts:

• Life-threatening emergencies: 911
• Contact Lakelands Public Health:
  • Phone: 1-888-575-4567 
  • Email: info@lakelandsph.ca