With an extended heat warning in the region for the week, both the Town of Collingwood and the local health unit is reminding you to stay safe when the temperature climbs.
The Town of Collingwood is opening Central Park Arena as a cooling centre for the public starting at 11 a.m. daily including today. The arena will be open "until the humidity and/or temperature drops in the evening," according to the town's website.
The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit is also reminding people to take precautions to lessen the risk of heat exhaustion, dehydration or stroke.
The health unit offers the following advice:
- Be sure to drink plenty of fluids (non-caffeinated). Don’t wait until you feel thirsty – that’s a sign that your body is already becoming dehydrated.
- Stay cool indoors
- If you must be outside, stay in the shade and make sure you wear and reapply sunscreen, a broad-brimmed hat, sunglasses and lightweight, light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing.
- Electric fans provide comfort by increasing evaporation, however when conditions are extreme, fans will not prevent heat-related illness.
- Keep physical activity to a minimum.
- Draw blinds or curtains to prevent radiant heat from entering homes.
According to the health unit, it's also important to check-in on people with chronic lung conditions or the elderly who live alone.
For more information about extreme heat, visit the health unit’s website or call Health Connection weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 721-7520 (1-877-721-7520).
