Environment Canada has issued a heat warning today for Barrie, Collingwood, Hillsdale, Midland, Coldwater, Orr Lake, Orillia, Lagoon City and Washago, as temperatures are expected to reach 30 C with a humidex value that could reach 40 C in the afternoon.
In response, the Town of Innisfil is opening cooling centres for residents across the municipality.
Beat the heat and receive free bottles of water to keep hydrated at the following locations:
The Innisfil Recreational Complex (7315 Yonge Street, Innisfil) - open Monday to Friday from 5:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Statutory Holidays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Town Hall (2101 Innisfil Beach Road, Innisfil) - open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Innisfil Public Library Branches:
Cookstown Branch (20 Church Street, Innisfil) - 0pen Tuesday and Thursday from 1 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
ideaLAB (967 Innisfil Beach Rd., Innisfil) - open Tuesday to Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is closed Sunday and Monday.
Stroud Branch (7883 Yonge Street, Innisfil) - open Tuesday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Churchill Branch (2282 4th Line, Innisfil) - open Tuesday to Thursday from 3 p.m. - 7 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
A heat warning is issued when high temperatures and/or high humidity are predicted. When this happens, there are things you can do to reduce your risk of developing heat illnesses:
- Avoid sun exposure – shade yourself by wearing a wide-brimmed, breathable hat or by using an umbrella
- Drink plenty of cool liquids, especially water, before you feel thirsty to decrease your risk of dehydration
- Take a break from the heat by spending a few hours in a cool place
- Frequently check in with or visit neighbours, friends and family members to ensure they are cool and hydrated
- Wear loose-fitting clothing, light-coloured and made of breathable fabric
- Block sun out of your house by closing awnings, curtains and blinds during the day
- Never leave people or pets inside a parked vehicle or in direct sunlight
- Reschedule outdoor activities or plan them during cooler parts of the day
- Access cool locations, like basements or air conditioned rooms, whenever possible
- Take cool showers or baths until you feel refreshed
- Use sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher that gives protection from both UVA & UVB rays
For more information about heat illnesses and staying cool during the hot and dry weather, please visit the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit website at simcoemuskokahealth.org/promos/heatwarning.aspx.
