Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued a special weather statement for Toronto, warning of high daytime temperatures nearing 30ºC expected to last until Friday. Extreme heat is associated with negative health impacts ranging from heat stress to heat stroke and death. During periods of hot weather, the safety of all residents is the priority.
New this year, residents and visitors to Toronto have access to more than 270 cool locations through the City of Toronto’s expanded Heat Relief Network. Heat Relief Network locations including community centres and pools, civic centres, drop-ins, and several private and non-profit organizations, including some shopping malls and YMCA locations, are open to the public during regular business hours. The network also includes shelters and 24-hour respite centres that are available to individuals experiencing homelessness. An interactive map is available to help those looking to cool off locate a Heat Relief Network location near them: https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/health-wellness-care/health-programs-advice/hot-weather/cool-spaces-near-you. The map also shows public water fountains and other amenities.
There are also a number of actions individuals can take to beat the heat and stay safe:
• Drink plenty of cool water, even before you feel thirsty.
• Go to an air-conditioned place.
• Wear loose, light-coloured, breathable clothing.
• Avoid the sun and stay in the shade or use an umbrella.
• Reschedule or plan outdoor activities during the cooler parts of the day.
• Take cool showers or baths or use cool wet towels to cool down.
• Do not leave a person or pet inside a parked car.
• Consult with your doctor or pharmacist to learn how your medications could increase your risk to heat.
• Check on at-risk family, friends or neighbours, especially seniors living alone.
More tips to protect yourself are available at https://www.toronto.ca/keepcool and https://www.besunsafe.ca.
To avoid duplication with heat warnings issued by Environment and Climate Change Canada, Toronto Public Health is no longer issuing public heat warnings. Individuals are encouraged to download Environment and Climate Change Canada’s WeatherCAN app to stay up to date on heat warnings and special weather statements. Information on WeatherCAN can be found at https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/weather-general-tools-resources/weathercan.html.
Toronto is Canada’s largest city, the fourth largest in North America, and home to a diverse population of more than 2.9 million people. It is a global centre for business, finance, arts and culture and is consistently ranked one of the world’s most livable cities. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can visit http://www.toronto.ca, call 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or follow us on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/cityoftoronto, on Instagram at http://www.instagram.com/cityofto or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/cityofto.