Public Service Announcement: The City of Markham issues Heat Warning

MARKHAM, ON – June 28, 2018 – Based on information from Environment Canada, Markham has issued a heat warning beginning on Friday, June 29 and will remain in effect until Friday, July 6 due to daytime temperatures remaining above 30 degrees Celsius with humidex values in the 35 to 45 range.

Markham's Canada Day celebrations are still scheduled to take place as planned. The City is taking precautions for the heat warning with cooling and water-filling stations at Milne Dam Conservation Park. If you are attending any outdoor activities, you should prepare for the heat.

It is important to take precautions to avoid suffering heat-related illnesses. Markham recommends the following based on Health Canada guidelines:

• Drink plenty of cool liquids, especially water, to decrease your risk of dehydration.
• Wear loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing made of breathable fabric and ensure you wear hats and sunglasses.
• Keep people and pets in your care out of parked vehicles and direct sunlight.
• Spend a few hours in a cool place - a tree-shaded area, swimming facility or an air-conditioned building such as a shopping mall, grocery store, place of worship or public library.
• Take cool showers or baths or visit one of Markham's Splash Pads (see list below for details.)
• Prepare meals that don't need to be cooked in your oven.
• Block sunlight by opening awnings, and closing curtains and blinds during the day.
• Avoid sun exposure - shade yourself by wearing a wide-brimmed, breathable hat or using an umbrella.
• If you are taking medication or have an existing health condition, ask your doctor or pharmacist if heat exposure increases your health risk and follow their advice.
• If you have an air conditioner with a thermostat, keep it set to somewhere between 22ºC (72ºF) and 26ºC (79ºF), which will reduce your energy costs and provide you with needed relief.
• If you have a window air conditioner, cool only one room where you can go for heat relief.
• Frequently visit friends, neighbours, and elderly family members, especially those who are chronically ill, to make sure they are cool and hydrated.
• Reschedule or plan outdoor activities during cooler parts of the day or avoid outdoor activities if you have health concerns.

Cooling Centres Available at Markham Community Centres, Libraries & Places of Worship:

Due to Canada Day festivities, please check markham.ca for hours of operation for July 1 & 2.

• Aaniin Community Centre & Library, 5665 14th Ave (Pool)
• Angus Glen Community Centre & Library, 3990 Major Mackenzie Drive East (Pool)
• Armadale Community Centre, 2401 Denison Street
• Cornell Community Centre & Library, 3201 Bur Oak Avenue (Pool)
• Milliken Mills Community Centre & Library, 7600 Kennedy Road (Pool)
• Thornhill Community Centre & Library, 7755 Bayview Avenue
• Centennial Community Centre, 8600 McCowan Road (Pool)
• Markham Village Library, 6031 Hwy 7
• Unionville Library, 15 Library Lane
• Masjid Darul Iman, 1330 Castlemore Avenue
• Markham Masjid, 2900 Denison Street
• Buddha Meditation Centre, 11175 Kennedy Road

For a complete list of facilities and hours of operation, visit markham.ca. 

Markham's Splash Pads & Outdoor Pools:

For more information on emergency preparedness, visit markham.ca/AreYouPrepared.

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Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti's Office: Lama Nicolas, Senior Communications Advisor at lnicolas@markham.ca or 416-671-2890

For all other media inquiries related to this news release:
Erynn Sally, Media Relations Coordinator at esally@markham.ca or 416-737-2684