Heat warning in effect until Friday; temperatures near 35 degrees expected

 

 
BY PETER HENDERSON, THE OTTAWA CITIZENJUNE 18, 2012
 
 
 

Dogs, cats, and other household pets don’t deal well with household heat, so take precautions to keep your household cool even when you’re out.

Photograph by: Jim Guilfoyle, The Ottawa Citizen

OTTAWA — Ottawa’s top doctor is warning the city to prepare for the first heat wave of the summer season.
The office of the city’s medical officer of health issued a heat warning Monday for June 19 to 21, noting that stifling humidity means that high temperatures over the next few days will feel even hotter.
Tuesday will see a high of 29 degrees, according to Environment Canada, with the mercury hitting 32 on Wednesday and 34 on Thursday.
But the humidity will make the real temperature feel equal to or higher than 40 degrees, which Environment Canada warns could harm people and pets.
A heat warning is issued when Environment Canada forecasts a humidex of 40 or hotter for at least two consecutive days, the statement said, reminding Ottawans that “Extreme heat can cause dehydration, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and even death.”
To ensure safety in such high heat, the city is advising people to stay inside or in the shade, avoid physical activity, and drink plenty of water.
“If you stay out in the heat too long, it’s going to cause problems,” said Keith Buchanan, a supervisor with the Ottawa Paramedics.
Buchanan said people should be sure to check on elderly relatives and neighbours, and make sure children and pets don’t get dehydrated. “Make whatever arrangements you can with family, friends, or neighbours,” he said. “Invite someone over to share your air-conditioning, if you can, and offer rides if you have an air-conditioned car.”
But pets, children, and the elderly should never be left unattended in a vehicle, even with the windows rolled down, Buchanan said. “The ones that scare us a lot are someone getting left in a car. You have to keep an eye on them.”
Dogs, cats, and other household pets don’t deal well with household heat, so take precautions to keep your household cool even when you’re out.
To get relief from the heat and humidity, the city recommends visiting buildings and shops with air-conditioning, such as libraries and shopping malls. Ottawa has partnered with the air-conditioned Rainbow Cinemas in the St. Laurent Center to offer cheap tickets for people looking to avoid the outdoors.
For those with asthma or other breathing problems, air quality indicators are available at Airhealth.ca or by phone at 1-866-688-3810.
Thursday’s high is expected to approach an all-time record for the city in June. Existing record temperatures for the next three days are around 35 degrees Celsius, and Thursday’s forecast calls for a sunny and sweltering 34.
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