HomeMy WebLinkAboutGoderich Signal Star, 2011-07-27, Page 5buday heat wave sets
ew record high in Goderi
Mbum
`ch Signi-Star
corching heat wave squashed atemperature records
cities in Ontario and another d n communities in
ec Thursday.
re in Godertch, Environment Canada reports that the
ury spilled over the previous record high set in 2004, up
ewes Thursday to 32.5 C. The hottest spot in Canada
earson International Airport in'iranto, where the tem -
re hit 37.9 C, setting a record for July 21. With humidity,
more like 50.
st week the Huron County Health Unit aggressively
sed the public to take care to prevent heat related ill-
s. public Health Nurse Donna Parsons said anyone can
r heat related illness when their body is unable to cool
g exposure to excessive heat Those who are especially
k include young children, older adults, people with
is health conditions and those who are active or work
de or in hot environments.
e elderly and very yotmg don't sweat, so they don't cool
fficiently as others," Parsons told the Signal -Star
ay
rms of heat -related illness can include: heat cramps
ere cramping usually in the legs or abdomen), heat
us on and heat stroke. Symptoms of heat exhaustion
ude heavy sweating, weakness, fast heart rate, dixzI-
nausea, vomiting and fainting. Heat stroke is a medical
rgency that can prove fatal if not treated. Symptoms
de headache, dizziness, confusion and fainting. Skin
may sweating or may be hot, red and dry.
If someone is experiencing symptoms of heat illness, they
should be immediately moved to a cool place and drink liq-
uids such as water or a sports drink. Apply cool water to skin
or clothing and watch for signs such as fainting or confusion
that would indicate the need to seek emergency medical
care.
"It'snot just the high-risk, everybody is vulnerable, even
people who have been acclimatized can be at risk when the
temperatures get so high. At these times, drink more water. If
you re not drinking enough you can't produce the sweat to
cool yourself. I've been hearing that some people say they
don't like water, so in that case, I'd suggest they get creative
with water, adding splashes of natural juices or even flavour-
ing. Even babies should be given boiled -then -cooled water in
between feedings to make sure they're getting enough"
The humidex is an index number without units that measures the combined
effect of heat and humidity. The humidex number is equivalent to the dry temper-
ature in degrees Celsius that it feels like to someone outside in the heat.
What it feels like when the humidex is:
30 to 39: Some discomfort,
40 to 45: Great discomfort; Viroid warden.
Above 45: Dangerous.
Above 54: Heat stroke imminent