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The city is experiencing its first major heat alert of the year so far, and experts say, we’re not ready.
After the cold temperatures we saw last week, Randy Walker of the London-Middlesex Health Unit said that the sudden heat wave hasn’t allowed our bodies to truly acclimatize to the extreme heat.
“The body is able to defend itself against hot and cold really well, if it’s given enough time to adapt,” said Walker. “Adapting from the cold weather we had last week to the extremely hot weather we have this week; people are not prepared to deal with that.”
Walker added that self-isolation at home may be a driving force to get out of the house and enjoy the sunshine, but that by doing so, you may be putting your life at risk.
“Suddenly they realize, ‘oh it’s a beautiful day outside, I’m going to go outside,’ and between the intense sun and the associated humidity, and the ambien heat of them being typically active, it becomes a real issue that they can overheat,” he said.
Environment Canada issued a heat warning for the region yesterday, with the expectation that temperatures would peak on Tuesday and Wednesday. The UV index is expected to reach 9 or very high today, which Walker said could be lethal to those most vulnerable.
“The sun is your enemy,” said Walker. “Stay out of the sun as much as you can. Even a few minutes in the sun not only can increase your risk of sunburn and associated skin cancers, but is also going to try the body.”
He added that sun damage can be hard to notice right away, especially in children who may not immediately show signs of dehydration or fatigue.
“They can’t tell you when they’re feeling dehydrated or when they’re feeling overheated. And unless you’re paying really good attention to them, it can become a real problem.”
Restrictions due to COVID-19 have limited access to air conditioned spaces like malls and libraries, so how can you keep you and your family safe during the extreme heat? Walker and Environment Canada recommend the following:
- Drink water-based fluids (water, electrolyte drinks) and avoid beverages such as hot coffee and alcohol
- Wear wide brim hats and long sleeve clothes to avoid sun exposure
- Avoid spending more than 30 minutes in direct sunlight
- Never leave pets or people inside a parked car
- Be aware of: sweating profusely, slurred speech, fatigue
The City of London also announced the opening of two cooling centres yesterday, located at the Canada Games Aquatic Centre (1045 Wonderland Road North) and the South London Community Centre (1119 Jalna Boulevard). The centres will provide cool space and water to those in need from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. today.
We are opening two cooling centres for those needing relief from the heat today or tomorrow. Cooling centres at Canada Games Aquatic Centre & South London Community Centre will be open between 11am and 7pm to provide an indoor space and water. https://t.co/vDGbuR2Lwq | #LdnOnt
— City of London (@CityofLdnOnt) May 26, 2020
So while you may want to take the time to soak up the sun today, remember to check on your loved ones and on your body.
“It’s not so much you taking care of yourself, it’s you taking care of others,” said Walker. “The young, the elderly, the ones who are maybe not willing or able to take care of themselves. Not only paying attention to them to protect them, but paying attention to them because they’re near what you’re probably experiencing and don’t realize it.”
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