Heat Wave Continues
Posted July 7, 2010 3:10 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
For the third straight day, Toronto is under an extreme heat alert.
The heat wave is affecting millions of people in Ontario and Quebec, with temperatures climbing past 30C but feeling much hotter with the humidity.
Construction projects around Toronto have been called off, including paving and asphalt projects, for the safety of the workers.
“I don’t want nobody to get hurt, so, safety is the most important thing for us. It’s just too hot for the guys,” one foreman said.
It also means energy use is going up across the province, as residents and businesses crank the A/C to cope with the stifling heat. The Independent Electricity Systems Operator insists the grid can handle the high demand Wednesday.
Nestle donated $35,000 worth of bottled water to relief organizations around the city that help those living on the streets.
Vulnerable people, including the homeless, are especially susceptible to ill health during high heat periods.
“We know that prolonged extreme heat conditions can be fatal for people with chronic health conditions and for seniors,” Dr. David McKeown, Toronto’s medical officer of health, said on Tuesday.
“We do see mortality go up,” he said.
Residents are encouraged to check in on elderly or vulnerable people, especially those who live alone. On average, 38 people die in Toronto each year during extreme heat conditions.
“If you own or operate a rooming house or apartment building, it is your civic duty to check on residents who are vulnerable, especially if they do not have air conditioning,” McKeown added.
Environment Canada defines a heat wave as three consecutive days with temperatures over 32C. The humidity has made it feel more like 42C so far this week.
The extended and extreme summer heat poses a serious risk to certain people, including the elderly, young children and people with medical conditions.
Don’t leave anyone alone in a car, especially pets or children.
Public health officials are urging those who suffer from lung and heart problems to monitor air quality readings. You can do that here.
How to spot the signs of heat-related illness
Check the local forecast here.
Check out city beach conditions here
Cooling Centres
- Metro Hall – 55 John St. (24 hours)
- East York Civic Centre – 850 Coxwell Ave. (11 am to 7 pm)
- North York Civic Centre – 5100 Yonge St. (11am to 7pm)
- Driftwood Community Centre – 4401 Jane St. (11am to 7pm)
- Etobicoke Olympium – 590 Rathburn Rd. (11am to 7 pm)
- McGregor Community Centre – 2231 Lawrence Ave. E. (11am to 7pm)
- Centennial Park Community Centre – 1967 Ellesmere Rd. (11am to 7pm)
- Castleview Wychwood Towers, 351 Christie Street, (8am to 8pm) *especially for elderly and/or people with disabilities
And anyone who needs assistance can call the Canadian Red Cross Heat Information Line at (416) 480-2615 between 9am and 9pm.
