How some northerners are taking precautions during heatwave

While summer temperatures have arrived with a heatwave, here are some things you need to know about how to avoid heat related illness. Alana Everson reports.

With hot, humid weather in the forecast for the next few days, Environment Canada issued a heat warning for communities across northeastern Ontario.

Because continuous exposure to high levels of heat can lead to dehydration and serious illness, people are asked to take precautions.

A C&R Roofing crew was up against the heat and humidity in Sudbury on Monday, where the temperature was expected to reach 36 C.

Worried for their safety, the supervisor said they would be calling it quits at noon.

“On days like this, we like to get the guys in and out as quick as we can so they don’t get overheated, nobody gets sick,” said Brad Richer, a C&R Roofing supervisor.

“We can all go home and spend the rest of the day with the family.”

Public Health Sudbury & Districts said there are several signs and symptoms of heat-related illness.

“You want to watch out for things like feeling unusually weak or tired, having a rapid heart rate, feeling nausea, vomiting or headache,” said Jane Mantyla, Public Health Sudbury & Districts health promoter.

“A really important and serious sign of heat stroke is losing consciousness.”

Public health said heat stroke is a medical emergency and to call 911.

For the roofing crew, there was plenty of water on hand to keep them hydrated.

“You get up there and you are going and you start sweating a lot and the sun gets to you,” Richer said.

“Makes you a little dizzy at times if you are not drinking enough water.”

A dog owner was out early in the morning for some exercise with his seven-year-old Border Collie named Doug.

“Dogs still got to get out, so it’s a variety of going places where it’s windy, going to a lake, going out on the boat,” said dog owner Geoff McCausland.

“Anything that allows us to still enjoy our time, enjoy a fresh breeze and not bake.”

Public Health Sudbury & Districts said tips to beat the heat include using sunscreen liberally, wearing a hat, scheduling outdoor activities early in the day before the heat sets in and taking breaks in air-conditioned spaces.