Peterborough Public Health issued a heat warning on Tuesday because of extreme temperatures reaching up to 34 ̊C.
The heat wave is expected to last until Thursday. This is the second heat warning issued by Peterborough Public Health this year. According to the organization, the people most at risk during heat events are people experiencing homelessness, older adults, infants and young children, those with certain medications or medical conditions, and outdoor workers.
Trent Radio spoke with Sarah Gill, a health promotions specialist from Peterborough Public Health, to discuss the heat wave and community supports available during heat events.
There are outdoor water bottle filling stations located at city facilities in the following locations:
- Quaker Foods City Square, 215 Charlotte St.
- Eastgate Park, 2150 Ashburnham Dr.
- Peterborough Marina, 92 George St. N.
Residents are also able to refill water bottles inside the following city facilities during hours of operation:
- Peterborough Public Library, 345 Aylmer St.
- Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre, 775 Brealey Dr.
- Healthy Planet Arena, 911 Monaghan Rd.
- Kinsmen Civic Centre, 1 Kinsmen Way
To help keep people cool, Peterborough Public Health continues beach water testing at the two beaches located within the City of Peterborough. They are also extending the operating season for City splash pads to Sept. 11.
One Roof Community Centre is extending its hours of operation on Tuesday and Wednesday and will remain open 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. to provide an indoor space for community members to cool down.
Peterborough Public Health recommends all residents take preventative measures to help reduce the risk of heat-related illness. But if you do experience heat illness, Gill identifies the symptoms as:
- Heavy sweating;
- Muscle cramps and/or headache;
- Weakness, dizziness, or fainting;
- Nausea or vomiting;
- Paleness, tiredness;
- Rapid breathing and heartbeat;
- Extreme thirst; or
- Decreased urination with unusually dark yellow urine.
Public Health recommends moving to a cool place and drinking water immediately upon experiencing any of these symptoms.
