Heat event: Feeling the heat? Easy ways to stay cool

As temperatures rise, the City of Mississauga is reminding residents to take simple, practical steps to stay safe, check in on vulnerable neighbours and use the City’s cooling spaces and services. These actions help reduce health risks, ease pressure on emergency services and keep communities safe during extreme heat events.

Based on Environment and Climate Change Canada’s data, Peel Region’s Medical Officer of Health has issued a Yellow Heat Warning for Peel Region.

Extreme heat is one of the leading weather-related health risks in Canada. It can worsen existing medical conditions, increase emergency room visits and, in severe cases, be life-threatening. Seniors, young children, people who work outdoors and those without access to air conditioning are at higher risk of heat‑related illness and serious health impacts from extreme heat. Residents need to take extra steps to protect their health. Preparing ahead of time can help prevent heat-related illness and save lives.

Beat the heat: tips to keep cool

During periods of extreme heat and heat waves, it’s important to take extra care of your health. There are several easy ways to reduce your exposure to heat.

• Limit outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Consider scheduling strenuous work for early morning or evening instead.
• Stay in the shade as much as possible and limit direct sun exposure.
• Wear sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing.
• Take cooling breaks in air-conditioned spaces or shaded areas.
• Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day. Take small, frequent sips to stay hydrated.
• Eat lighter meals and choose foods with high water content.
• Use sprinklers or wading pools to cool down.
• Visit a City pool or spray pad. Pools offer extended hours during heat events. Spray pads are open from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• Take a lukewarm shower or place cool water on your skin.
• Check in on loved ones, neighbours and friends, especially those who live alone.

Home cooling tips

Here are a few ways to keep your home more comfortable during hot weather:

• Close windows during the hottest part of the day to keep warm air out.
• Keep blinds or curtains closed during the day and open windows at night.
• If you don’t have window coverings, hang a light-coloured sheet or towel to help block sunlight and reduce indoor heat.
• Since hot air rises, consider sleeping on a lower level of your home.
• Use fans wisely and cool only the rooms you need. Ceiling fans should rotate counter-clockwise in the summer to push cool air down.
• Turn off electronics when not in use, as they give off heat.
• Soak your feet in cool water for a few minutes.
• Cook during cooler parts of the day or prepare meals outdoors to avoid heating your home.

Keep pets safe

• To protect pets from the heat, walk them in shaded areas during cooler times of day, keep walks short, and avoid hot pavement that can burn their paws.
• Never leave pets in a parked car, even for a short time, as this can be dangerous and potentially life-threatening.
• Provide plenty of fresh water and watch for signs of heat stress.
• Avoid extended periods or high activity outside during periods of extreme heat.

Heat wave safety

Keep up to date with local weather news and reporting so you can prepare for expected heat waves. Additional information on heat stress-related illnesses can be found on the Peel Public Health website.

• Stay informed by following local weather reports and heat warnings.
• Monitor alerts from Environment & Climate Change Canada.
• Keep a home emergency preparedness kit up to date.
• Make sure you have enough medication on hand, as some conditions worsen in higher temperatures.
• Make sure you know the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke and get medical attention if the symptoms do not improve.
• Check your vehicle’s tires, fluid levels, battery and air conditioning during hot weather.
• Never leave children or pets in your vehicle during higher temperatures.
• For long-term solutions and energy efficiency, consider options such as thermal windows, added insulation, external shading and planting trees to create natural shade.

Please continue to monitor the City of Mississauga Newsroom for updates. Check the weather on the Weather Network or the WeatherCAN app from Environment & Climate Change Canada for details on weather conditions. For updates on the Heat Warning contact Peel Region.

Stay cool and stay safe!

Tags

• Climate Change
• Public Safety
• Weather Conditions and Warnings