City of Markham offers tips, but no cooling centres, amid heat advisory

City asks residents to check on friends, family members and neighbours -- especially the elderly, chronically ill

Yorkregion.com
June 11, 2020
Heidi Riedner

Environment Canada has issued a heat warning for Markham from Tuesday, June 9 to Wednesday, June 10 with daytime temperatures reaching to, or above, 30C  and humidex values in the mid to upper 30s.

However, in order to practise effective physical distancing, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Markham is unable to provide designated cooling centres.

Instead, it is asking residents to check on friends, family members and neighbours -- especially the elderly and those who are chronically ill who may be living in a building without air conditioning -- to make sure they are keeping cool and hydrated.

"It is important to take precautions to avoid suffering heat-related illnesses," a city spokesperson said.

The city recommends the following tips based on Health Canada guidelines:

• Drink plenty of cool liquids, especially water, to decrease your risk of dehydration.

• Keep people and pets in your care out of parked vehicles and direct sunlight.

• Wear loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing made of breathable fabric and ensure you wear hats and sunglasses.

• Spend a few hours in a cool place, while practising physical distancing, such as a tree-shaded area.

• Take cool showers or baths.

• Prepare meals that don't need to be cooked in your oven.

• Block sunlight by opening awnings and closing curtains and blinds during the day.

• Avoid sun exposure -- shade yourself by wearing a wide-brimmed, breathable hat or using an umbrella.

• If you are taking medication or have an existing health condition, ask your doctor or pharmacist if heat exposure increases your health risk and follow their advice.

• If you have an air conditioner with a thermostat, keep it set to somewhere between 22C and 26C, which will reduce your energy costs and provide you with needed relief.

• If you have a window air conditioner, cool only one room where you can go for heat relief.
• Reschedule or plan outdoor activities during cooler parts of the day or avoid outdoor activities if you have health concerns.