TORONTO, July 3, 2012 /CNW/ – Dr. David McKeown, Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health, has issued a Heat Alert for today.  The Heat Alert will be in effect until further notice.

During a Heat Alert, the public is encouraged to call or visit family, friends and neighbours, especially isolated adults and seniors who are at greater risk of suffering from heat-related illness, to make sure they are cool and drinking plenty of fluids. Other groups at risk include people with chronic illnesses, limited mobility and with certain mental health illnesses, infants and young children, people on certain medications and those who are homeless.

The public is advised to “Beat the Heat” by taking these precautions:

• Drink lots of cool water even before you feel thirsty
• Go to air conditioned places, including shopping malls or one of many local libraries or community centres located in each neighbourhood
• Take cool showers or baths or use cool wet towels to cool down
• Wear loose light coloured breathable clothing and when outdoors wear a wide-brimmed hat
• Avoid the sun and stay in the shade or use an umbrella
• Reschedule or plan outdoor activities during the cooler parts of the day
• Never leave seniors, children or pets unattended in a car.

Landlords of buildings without air conditioning are encouraged to provide a dedicated cooling room for residents to escape the heat. Community agencies are encouraged to educate clients on the risks of heat-related illness and to call or check those clients at increased risk of heat-related illness during alerts.

When an alert is declared, those who need assistance or have heat-related inquiries may call 311.

For more information on How to Beat the Heat please visit: www.toronto.ca/health

Often high air pollution occurs during hot weather conditions. People with heart and lung conditions, seniors and children should pay special attention to the hourly Air Quality Health Index levels and forecasts available at www.airhealth.ca

Toronto is Canada’s largest city and sixth largest government, and home to a diverse population of about 2.7 million people. Toronto’s government is dedicated to delivering customer service excellence, creating a transparent and accountable government, reducing the size and cost of government and building a transportation city. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can dial 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.