Public Service Announcement: City of Markham Issues Heat Warning for August 10

Residents are reminded to stay cool and hydrated, keep people and pets out of parked vehicles and to check on elderly persons

MARKHAM, ON – August 10, 2020 – Environment Canada has issued a heat warning for the City of Markham for Monday, August 10 with temperatures in the low thirties and the humidex near or above 40 degrees Celsius.

Wearing a mask or face covering in high heat and humidity can make breathing difficult. When outdoors, keep a safe distance from others (2 metres/6 feet), especially when not wearing a mask or face covering.

A mask or face covering is required in indoor public spaces and in common areas in condos, apartments and other multi-residential buildings.

In order to stop the spread of COVID-19 and practice physical distancing, the City of Markham is unable to provide designated cooling centres.

Splash pads are now open. Please practice physical distancing when sharing these facilities.

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.
• Watch for the symptoms of heat illness: dizziness/fainting; nausea/vomiting; rapid breathing and heartbeat; extreme thirst; decreased urination with unusually dark urine.
• Frequently call to check in with friends, neighbours, and elderly family members, especially those who are chronically ill, to make sure they are cool and hydrated.
• Call and check in on friends, family members, and neighbours who may be living in a building without air conditioning. It is especially important if they are elderly.
• Reschedule or plan outdoor activities during cooler parts of the day or avoid outdoor activities if you have health concerns.
• Keep people and pets in your care out of parked vehicles and direct sunlight.
• Spend a few hours in a cool place while practicing physical distancing, such as a tree-shaded area.
• Wear loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing made of breathable fabric and ensure you wear a hat and sunglasses.
• Avoid sun exposure—shade yourself by wearing a wide-brimmed, breathable hat or using an umbrella.
• Physical distance outdoors or stay cool at home if you feel discomfort wearing a face mask in the heat.
• Take cool showers or baths.
• 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.
• 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.

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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 / interview requests for the City of Markham:
Jennifer Yap, Coordinator, Communications and Media Relations at jyap@markham.ca or 437.229.2450