Public Health issues heat warning

Hastings Prince Edward Public Health has issued a warning for significant heat and humidity Friday to Sunday.

Cooling centres are open all weekend at Picton and Wellington community centres.

• The Prince Edward Community Centre (PECC) and the Wellington & District Community Centre (WDCC) have water bottle filling stations and will be open as cooling stations.
• The PECC (375 Picton Main Street) will be open until 8 pm on Friday evening, as well as between the hours of 8 am and 8 pm on Saturday and Sunday.
• The WDCC (111 Belleville Street) will be open until 8 pm on Friday, as well as between the hours of 8 am  and 4 pm on Saturday and Sunday.
• The splash pad located at the Picton Fairgrounds and public beaches are also good places to cool off during the heat warning.

The County’s Fire Chief has also issued a partial burn ban. Click here for details.

Daytime temperatures in the low to mid 30s with afternoon humidex values of 40 or higher and night time minimum temperatures in the low to mid 20s are expected for Friday and Saturday. A cooler and less humid air mass is forecast to arrive in the wake of a weak cold front Sunday.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion include:
· skin rash; muscle cramps; swelling of hands, feet and ankles; heavy sweating; dizziness, headache or fainting; nausea
or vomiting; rapid breathing and heartbeat; extreme thirst and decreased urination with unusually dark yellow urine.

If you experience any of these symptoms, immediately move to a cool place and drink liquids – water is best. Visit neighbours, friends, and older family members frequently, especially those at higher risk, to make sure that they are cool and hydrated.