Hot Weather Relief

Staying healthy and safe during high heat

Environment and Climate Change Canada issues heat warnings for Niagara when:

• Two or more consecutive days of daytime maximum temperatures are expected to reach 31°C or warmer
• Nighttime minimum temperatures are expected to fall to 20°C or warmer
• Two or more consecutive days of humidex values are expected to reach 40 or higher

Visit Environment Canada for current weather conditions and local forecasts.

Cooling spaces in West Lincoln

Anyone seeking relief from the heat is welcome to cool down at the following Township of West Lincoln and West Lincoln Public Library facilities during regular business hours. (These are not emergency shelters with social services. Anyone seeking overnight shelter should call 2-1-1 to be connected to the Niagara Assertive Outreach Team.)

Splash Pad

The splash pad located at the West Lincoln Community Centre Park, at 177 West Street, is open for the season.

• Open daily 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

West Lincoln Community Centre

177 West Street, Smithville

• Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

West Lincoln Public Library Branches

• Smithville Library Branch (177 West Street)
• Caistorville Library Branch (9549 York Street)
• Wellandport Library Branch (5042 Canborough Road)

Please visit https://www.westlincolnlibrary.ca/contact.html for hours of operation.

Protect yourself during a heat warning

The information below was sourced from Niagara Region Public Health.

Heat illnesses are preventable. If you're taking medication or have a health condition, ask your doctor or pharmacist if it increases your health risk in the heat and follow their recommendations.

• Frequently visit neighbours, friends and older family members, especially those who are chronically ill to make sure they are cool and hydrated.
• Drink plenty of cool liquids, especially water, before you feel thirsty to decrease your risk of dehydration. Thirst is not a good indicator of dehydration.
• Reschedule or plan outdoor activities during cooler parts of the day.
• Wear loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing made of breathable fabric.
• Never leave people or pets in your care inside a parked vehicle or in direct sunlight.
• Take a break from the heat by spending a few hours in a cool place. It could be a tree-shaded area, swimming facility or an air-conditioned spot such as a public building, shopping mall, grocery store, place of worship, or public library.
• Take cool showers or baths until you feel refreshed.
• Prepare meals that don't need to be cooked in your oven.
• Block sun out by closing curtains or blinds during the day.
• Avoid sun exposure. Shade yourself by wearing a wide-brimmed, breathable hat or using an umbrella.
• Exercise in an air-conditioned place or a cooler outdoor location, such as a tree-shaded area away from high traffic to avoid high levels of air pollution. Before heading out, see the Air Quality Health Index. Pollution levels tend to be higher on hot days.

Heat related illnesses

A combination of high heat and high humidity can be dangerous.Anyone who experiences physical distress because of extreme temperatures should get medical attention immediately, move to a cool place and drink liquids. Either call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.

Risks during a heat warning

During heat warnings, everyone is at risk, but those most at risk of developing a heat-related illness include:

• Infants and children
• Older adults
• People with chronic illnesses, such as breathing difficulties, heart conditions or psychiatric illness
• Pregnant women
• People who work in the heat
• People who exercise in the heat
• People experiencing homelessness
• Low-income earners