News Releases

Media Bulletin - Manitoba

June 19, 2018

Heat Advisory Issued for Northern Manitoba



The Medical Officer of Health for Environmental Health and Emergency Preparedness is issuing an extended heat warning for the communities of The Pas, Wanless, Westray, Flin Flon, Cranberry Portage and Snow Lake and the Clearwater Lake Provincial Park.  This warning may be extended into other areas of northern Manitoba over the next few days as unseasonably warm air continues to flow in from Saskatchewan.

Environment and Climate Change Canada is forecasting high temperatures in Manitoba over the next several days, particularly in the province’s northern region.  Manitobans are reminded to take precautions to prevent heat-related illness.

Everyone is at risk for the effects of heat.  However, during a period of prolonged heat, older adults, people with chronic illness and people living alone have a particularly high risk for heat illness, especially if they are living in an urban area or do not have air conditioning.  Others at greater health risks to heat include infants and young children and people who work or exercise in the heat.

Symptoms of heat illness include dizziness, fainting, nausea, vomiting, headache and fast breathing.  If these symptoms occur, immediately move to a cool place and drink water.  

Emergency medical care may be needed depending on the severity of symptoms.  If someone has a high body temperature, is unconscious or is confused, call for help.  While waiting, cool the person right away by moving them to a cool place, applying cold water to large areas of the skin or clothing and fanning the person as much as possible.

Heat illnesses are preventable.  The health effects of heat can be reduced by:

·         drinking plenty of liquids, especially water, before you feel thirsty;

·         wearing loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing and a wide-brimmed hat;

·         planning outdoor activities during cooler times of the day;

·         limiting alcohol consumption;

·         avoiding sun exposure and consider cancelling or rescheduling outdoor activities;

·         never leaving children or pets inside a parked vehicle or in direct sunlight;

·         going to a cool place such as a mall, community centre, public library or place of worship;

·         taking a cool shower or bath; and

·         blocking sun out by closing awnings, curtains or blinds during the day.

Regularly check on neighbours, friends and older family members, especially those who are ill or living alone, to make sure they are cool and drinking water.

Regularly updated weather forecasts are available from Environment and Climate Change Canada at: http://weatheroffice.gc.ca/canada_e.html.

For more information on heat and health, call Health Links-Info Santé at 204-788-8200 or 1‑888‑315‑9257 (toll-free).  Or visit:

·         www.manitoba.ca/health/publichealth/environmentalhealth/heat.html (Manitoba Health, Seniors and Active Living);

·         www.healthycanadians.gc.ca/healthy-living-vie-saine/environment-environnement/sun-soleil/heat-extreme-chaleur-eng.php (Health Canada); or

·         www.safemanitoba.com for workplace concerns.

 

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