Extremely hot weather continues in Dufferin County and Environment Canada has now issued an air quality warning for the community.

Stay safe with tips and information from Dufferin County.

Fires are happening across northwestern Ontario. Smoke from these is causing poor air quality and reduced visibility across Dufferin.

As smoke levels increase, health risks increase. Limit your time outdoors and avoid outdoor sports, activities and events.

You may experience mild symptoms like eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches or a mild cough. More serious but less common symptoms include wheezing, chest pains or severe cough. If you think you are having a medical emergency, seek immediate medical assistance.

Some people are more likely to be impacted by wildfire smoke, including people aged 65 and older, pregnant people, infants and young children, people with an existing illness or chronic health conditions, and people who work outdoors. These people should reduce or reschedule strenuous activities outdoors and seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms.

Protect your indoor air from wildfire smoke. Use the highest quality air filter that your ventilation system can handle and/or a certified portable air cleaner that can filter fine particles.

If you must spend time outdoors, a well-constructed, well-fitting and properly worn respirator type mask can reduce your exposure to the fine particles in smoke. Even though exposure may be reduced, there can still be health risks.

Check in on your loved ones and neighbours.

Always follow guidance from local authorities.

Some websites with more information include:

• Air Quality Ontario
• The Government of Canada’s Wildfire smoke, air quality and your health

The Dufferin County Fire Chiefs have declared a total fire ban effective immediately. Help keep the community safe. Do not have any fires or burn anything.

Hot conditions are expected to last through Friday.

Drink lots of water throughout the day, even if you do not feel thirsty, and limit your heat exposure.

Never leave children or pets unattended in vehicles. Cool off at a local splash pad or pool.

Check out Wellington Dufferin Guelph Public Health’s Cooling, Warming and Clean Air Spaces Map to find locations and services that may be useful during extreme weather events and other climate-related conditions.

The Town of Orangeville’s recreation centres are open from 9 am to 9 pm for cooling centres daily. There is access to water for refills for people and dogs as well as water bowls outside for dogs. For more information visit www.orangeville.ca/BeatTheHeat

If you don’t have air conditioning, keep your windows, doors and blinds shut during the day. If temperatures drop at night, crack the windows before going to bed.

Set your ceiling fans to rotate counterclockwise and create a cool breeze by placing a bowl with ice in front of a large fan. Take a cool shower, or place frozen washcloths on your forehead, back of neck, and wrists to help lower your core temperature.

Keep pets indoors and avoid taking them for walks in the heat. If outdoors, limit time in the sun and provide shade. Keep in mind that if the pavement is too hot for bare feet, it is too hot for bare paws.

Pay attention to how you and those around you feel and watch for heat illness symptoms like headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, fainting or rapid breathing or heartbeat.

The risks of high temperature are greater for young children, pregnant women, older adults, people with chronic illnesses and people working or exercising outdoors.

Check out the County’s tips for staying safe from heat-related illness here.

Check on your loved ones and neighbours to ensure they are cool and hydrated. Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Call 9-1-1 if you are caring for someone who has a high body temperature and is either confused, experiencing dizziness or fainting, or has stopped sweating.

Call 9-1-1 immediately if you or someone you’re with develops:

• Confusion or altered mental status
• Loss of consciousness
• Seizures
• Very high body temperature
• Hot, dry skin or profuse sweating

For more tips on staying cool without air conditioning, read Dufferin’s Beat the Heat Guide here.

For more information on how to protect yourself from the health effects of extreme heat, visit Health Canada: Extreme Heat.

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MEDIA CONTACT:
Megan Ball, Manager of Communications
mball@dufferincounty.ca