“Heat is hardest on the elderly and chronically ill. If they have no protection from the heat, such as access to air conditioning and plenty of fluids, they can develop serious health effects and even die,” says Dr. Isra Levy, Medical Officer of Health.

Infants, young children and the homeless are also at greater risk from extreme heat, along with people taking medications like anti-Parkinsons and antidepressants. Ottawa Public Health is encouraging people to check on or visit family, friends and neighbours who may be isolated or vulnerable to the heat and need help accessing places to cool down.

Heat-related illness is a significant public health concern. During the summer of 2003, more than 30,000 people – mostly the elderly – died from heat-related illnesses in Europe. Experts cited poor coordination of health services and agencies and insufficient care of the elderly as key factors that contributed to the high number of deaths. OPH is committed to working with its community partners to protect vulnerable populations from life-threatening heat-related illnesses.

Residents can cool down at City of Ottawa pools, wading pools, beaches and community centres, as well as Ottawa Public Libraries. In addition, Rainbow Cinemas in the St. Laurent Centre has partnered with the City of Ottawa to provide reduced ticket rates and additional matinee viewings to help people access air conditioning and to cool down during heat warnings.

High air pollution often occurs during hot weather conditions. People with breathing and heart problems and parents and caregivers of children should pay attention to the hourly Air Quality Health Index available at www.airhealth.ca or at 1-866-688-3810.

To avoid heat-related illnesses, Ottawa residents should:

drink plenty of fluids, preferably water and avoid caffeine and alcohol
avoid strenuous physical activity outdoors
avoid direct exposure to the sun and seek shade and shelter at the first signs of heat exposure
wear lightweight and loose clothing
spend at least two hours a day in an air-conditioned location, including shopping malls, local libraries or neighbourhood community centres
never leave children, the elderly or pets unattended in a car, even with the windows partly rolled down
BACKGROUND

Ottawa Public Health has a Heat Action Plan. That plan includes monitoring the weather forecasts for heat and smog, notifying service providers and media when heat thresholds are met, and offering protective and proactive advice on how to deal with these summer conditions. The smog and heat thresholds are:

Smog Advisory (based on air quality index (AQI) of > 50)
Heat Alert (Humidex of 36 or more for a least two consecutive days)
Heat Warning (Humidex of 40 or more for at least two consecutive days)
Heat Emergency (humidex of 45 or more or situational factors)
Information is available by calling the City Call Centre at 3-1-1 or 613-580-6744 or ottawa.ca