Extreme Heat Precautions and Cooling Centres
Tay, Ontario: Tay Township urges residents to take precautions during the upcoming extreme heat event, starting today, June 17, 2024, and continuing throughout the week. Daytime temperatures are expected to reach the low to mid-thirties, with humidex values in the mid-forties.
Extreme heat poses health risks, particularly for older adults, infants, young children, individuals with chronic illnesses, those who work or exercise outdoors, and people experiencing homelessness.
Fire Chief/Community Emergency Management Coordinator Shawn Aymer urges everyone to stay alert and take precautions. “Remember to frequently visit neighbours, friends and older family members, especially those who are chronically ill, to make sure that they are cool and hydrated.”
Residents can cool down at designated cooling centres:
- Tay Township Municipal Office
- 450 Park Street, Victoria Harbour
- Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Theo and Elaine Bernard Branch, Victoria Harbour
- 145 Albert St., Victoria Harbour
- Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Wednesday: 10:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- Saturday: 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
- J & M Young Branch, Port McNicoll
- 715 4th Ave., Port McNicoll
- Tuesday: 10:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Saturday: 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Transportation to these cooling centres is available Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. by calling 705-534-7248 x262.
Tay Township also recommends taking the following actions to stay cool:
- Drink plenty of cool liquids, especially water, before feeling thirsty.
- Wear loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing made of breathable fabric.
- Take a swim, cool shower or bath until you feel refreshed.
- Take a break from the heat by spending a few hours in a cool place.
- Block sun out by closing awnings, curtains or blinds during the day.
- Avoid sun exposure. Shade yourself by wearing a wide-brimmed, breathable hat or using an umbrella.
- Reschedule or plan outdoor activities during cooler parts of the day.
- Never leave people or pets in your care inside a parked vehicle or in direct sunlight.
Monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada at weather.gc.ca and learn additional tips on how to stay safe and what to do during an extreme heat-related emergency at simcoemuskokahealth.org.
Contacts:
Shawn Aymer
General Manager, Protective and Development Services
Fire Chief/Community Emergency Management Coordinator
705-534-7248 ext. 253
saymer@tay.ca
Elizabeth Smith
Manager of Communications and Technology
705-534-7248 ext. 264
esmith@tay.ca