Heat Warning in Effect This Week, Municipal Cooling Centres Open

Environment Canada has issued a heat warning for the region beginning Sunday afternoon, June 22.

The first significant heat event of the season is expected to continue into Wednesday, June 25, bringing dangerous heat and humidity, including:

• Daytime highs between 31-36 degrees Celsius
• Humidex values of 40-45 degrees
• Overnight temperatures of 21-25 degrees

Take action to protect yourself and others from extreme heat, which can affect everyone’s health. Watch for signs of heat exhaustion (headache, nausea, dizziness, thirst, dark urine and intense fatigue). If you or someone around you has heat stroke or heat exhaustion, call 911.

Cooling centres

The Municipality of Mississippi Mills has four cooling centres available to those who need it:

• John Levi Community Centre (182 Bridge Street, Almonte)
• Almonte Branch of the Mississippi Mills Public Library (155 High Street, Almonte)
• Stewart Community Centre (112 MacFarlane Street, Pakenham)
• Pakenham Branch of the Mississippi Mills Public Library (128 MacFarlane Street, Pakenham)

The Gemmill Park splash pad (182 Bridge Street, Almonte) is also open daily from approximately 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Heat safety tips

• Limit time spent in the sun and heat
• Wear lightweight, light-coloured and loose-fitting clothing
• Plan outdoor activities during the coolest part of the day
• Drink lots of water and often
• Close blinds and shades
• Turn on air conditioning, use fans
• If you don’t have air conditioning, look for a public cooling centre
• Don’t leave anyone, especially kids and pets, inside a hot vehicle

The South East Health Unit has more information on heat safety: https://healthunit.org/health-information/home-health-safety/heat-cold/