City opens cooling centre as extended heat warning declared

The City of Windsor has announced the opening of a temporary cooling centre in response to the current extended heat warning, but asks that people only use it if they have “no other options.”

“Effective immediately, the atrium of the Windsor International Aquatic and Training Centre ... at 401 Pitt St. W. will act as a temporary cooling centre,” stated a news release issued Thursday.

It’s intended for people unable to find relief from the heat and humidity, in light of the heat warning issued by the Windsor Essex County Health Unit that started Thursday and runs to at least Sunday.

Many of the traditional places to cool off are off limits due to COVID -19 precautions. While seven of the city’s nine splash pads are opening some time between July 8 and 13, city pools — both indoor and outdoor — and indoor community centres will remain closed.

The atrium at the aquatic centre will be staffed by redeployed city employees who will help people and ensure they are social distancing. People will be screened for possible COVID-19 symptoms before they enter, and masks are strongly encouraged.

“Those attending are reminded to bring food or materials to read if they wish, as none will be provided,” the news release says.

Effective immediately, the atrium will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. until at least Monday.

The city also has its Windsor Water World location (the pool is closed) open to provide a day program, as well as refuge from the heat, for people who are homeless. It runs seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The health unit issues an extended heat warning when the forecast calls for three or more consecutive days of hot temperatures, with daytime highs of at least 31 C and nighttime lows of 21 C or higher, or if the humidex hits 42 C or higher.

Environment Canada was forecasting high temperatures of 32 C Thursday and Friday, and rising to 33 C Saturday, Sunday and Monday. It dips down to 31 on Tuesday then rises to 32 on Wednesday.

The city says that during heat warnings people should take extra precautions to protect themselves and loved ones from heat-related health risks.

People should also check on elderly or vulnerable people they know who are more susceptible to the heat.

An extended heat warning was also issued for Chatham-kent.

“In high temperatures and humidity, your body may not be able to cool properly, which can lead to heat exhaustion or even heat stroke,” Chatham-kent public health stated in a release Thursday.

The health unit says symptoms of heat-related illness may include rapid breathing, dizziness or fainting, vomiting, rapid heartbeat, extreme thirst and decreased urination with unusually dark yellow urine.

“If anyone has these symptoms, we suggest the following to cool off as soon as possible: move to a shaded or air-conditioned area, drink plenty of fluids, and rest. Contact your health-care practitioner, a friend and/or a family member,” the C-K health unit said.

WAYS TO HELP PREVENT HEAT-RELATED ILLNESS:

Drink plenty of fluids, especially water; never leave any person or pets in a parked car; seek cooler or air-conditioned spaces; wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing; take cool showers or baths, or use cool, wet towels on your face, neck or arms; avoid strenuous activities between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Postmedia News