City offers some 'stay cool' advice

Another scorcher prompts heat alert

Jul. 16, 2006. 01:38 PM

LINDA NGUYEN

STAFF REPORTER



Environment Canada is expecting temperatures in the city to hit a record high of 36 degrees celsius today. The sweltering conditions have prompted Toronto Public Health to issue the fourth extreme heat alert of the summer and warn people to stay inside.



Extreme heat alerts are issued by Toronto Public Health based on a "heat health model” that measures the likelihood of someone dying from the heat rather than whether temperatures scorch to an all-time high.



“We want folks to enjoy the summer but also take extra precautions. Taking those extra precautions will also prevent you from getting sick or seriously hurt. Don’t go out in the direct sun and if you do make sure you wear lots of sunscreen and a wide-brim hat or have an umbrella, which is a fashionable way to shield the sun from hitting you,” said Marco Vittiglio, manager of emergency planning and preparedness.



He recommends using your common sense to stay cool.



“We want the public not to overexert themselves. Wear light clothing and light coloured clothing. Keep windows open and take showers or bathers in cool water. Have a fan close by to circulate the air,” he said.



And if you were thinking of sitting on a patio under a scorching sun and enjoying a pitcher of beer, Vittiglio is urging you to think twice today. “Avoid drinking alcohol and caffeinated beverages. Avoid eating hot meals or spicy meals instead, eat light meals. Don't eat a heavy meal with lots of protein like steak, potatoes and all the workings. Stay on the lighter side today with maybe a salad,” he said.



He points out that people should also think about doing a “neighbours helping neighbours thing” where they look out for members in their community like isolated seniors or people who are immobile.



Elaine Smyer reminds the public that even if they don’t have air conditioning or fans in their homes, they can go to a number of public places in the city - including four civic centres - to cool off.



Several hundred people use these cooling centres, which are only open when an extreme heat alert is called, to grab some water, juice or cereal bars.



“Some people hear about it and pack their lunch and spend the day. It’s really a place for some liquid and to hydrate. There’s also medical personnel if you need some medical attention,” said Smyer, who is the city's manager of emergency planning, shelter, support and housing administration.



Public libraries and community centres are also an ideal place to stay away from the scorching sun, she said.



Many pools across the city have extended their hours for those wanting to take a dip. You can call their hotline at 416-338-POOL for more information or for a location near you.



Metro Hall civic centre will stay open for 24 hours while the other three cooling centres are open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. today.



City Cooling Centres Locations

- Metro Hall, 55 John Street (John and King)

- East York Civic Centre, 850 Coxwell Avenue (Coxwell and Mortimer)

- Etobicoke Civic Centre, 399 The West Mall (Burnhamthorpe and Hwy 427)

- North York Civic Centre, 5100 Yonge Street (Yonge and Sheppard)