Heat Warning upgraded to Extreme Heat Warning in Toronto, cooling centres open

Based on information from Environment Canada, Dr. David McKeown, Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health, has upgraded the Heat Warning to an Extreme Heat Warning for today. The Extreme Heat Warning will be in effect until further notice.

During an Extreme Heat Warning, the public is encouraged to call or visit family, friends and neighbours, especially isolated adults and seniors who are at greater risk of suffering from heat-related illness, to make sure they are cool and drinking plenty of fluids. Other groups at risk include people with chronic illnesses, individuals with limited mobility or certain mental health illnesses, infants and young children, people on certain medications, and those who are homeless.

In addition to air-conditioned shopping malls, local libraries and neighbourhood community centres, cooling centres are open during Extended Heat Warnings at the following seven locations:
• Metro Hall – 55 John St. (This cooling centre opens at 11 a.m. on the day the warning is issued and remains open 24 hours a day for the duration of the Extended Heat Warning.) • East York Civic Centre – 850 Coxwell Ave. (11 a.m. to 7 p.m.) • North York Civic Centre – 5100 Yonge St. (11 a.m. to 7 p.m.) • Driftwood Community Centre – 4401 Jane St. (11 a.m. to 7 p.m.) • Etobicoke Civic Centre – 399 The West Mall (11 a.m. to 7 p.m.) • McGregor Community Centre – 2231 Lawrence Ave. E. (11 a.m. to 7 p.m.) • Centennial Park Community Centre – 1967 Ellesmere Rd. (11 a.m. to 7 p.m.)

Members of the public are also advised to beat the heat by taking these precautions:
• Drink lots of cool water even before you feel thirsty.
• Take cool showers or baths or use cool, wet towels to cool down.
• Wear loose, light-coloured, breathable clothing and when outdoors wear a wide-brimmed hat.
• Avoid the sun and stay in the shade or use an umbrella.
• Reschedule or plan outdoor activities during the cooler parts of the day.
• Never leave seniors, children or pets unattended in a car.

Landlords of buildings without air conditioning are encouraged to provide a dedicated cooling room for vulnerable residents to escape the heat. Community agencies are encouraged to educate clients on the risks of heat-related illness and to call or check on those clients at increased risk of heat-related illness during warnings.
When a warning is declared, those who need assistance or have heat-related inquiries may call 311.

(City of Toronto news release)