HEAT WARNING!

Environment Canada has issued a heat warning for Leeds, Grenville, Lanark Region that is expected to last into Friday.

As part of the Town of Smiths Falls response plan, the following locations will be available for anyone who needs a cooling center:

• Smiths Falls Seniors Activity Building located at 0A5, 61 Cornelia St W will be open daily from 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM.
• Smiths Falls Royal Canadian Legion located at 7 Main St E will be open daily from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM.

The Leeds, Grenville &Lanark District Health Unit advises you to keep cool and hydrated and to take the following pre-caution:

• Do not leave children, adults or pets in parked cars or sleeping outside in direct sunlight.
• Consult your doctor or pharmacist regarding the side effects of your medications.
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel very thirsty. Remember to take sips often and not to guzzle your drink.
• Eat foods that have high water content such as watermelon, grapes and oranges.
• Limit caffeinated beverages such as coffee and cola.
• Avoid going out in the blazing sun or heat. If you must go outside, stay in the shade as much as possible.
• Take a cool bath or shower periodically or cool down with cool, wet towels.
• Whenever possible go to an air-conditioned room or building.
• Wear loose fitting, light clothing and a wide-brimmed hat when outdoors.
• Keep window shades or drapes drawn and blinds closed on the sunny side of your home.
• Keep electric lights off or turned down low.
• Visit a local splash pad, wading pool, or cooling centre.
• If you can, eat a variety of foods that can be prepared safely without using the oven.
• Don’t skip meals. Instead, eat smaller amounts more often.
• Use fans to draw cool air at night, but do not rely on a fan as a main cooling device during long periods of high heat and humidity.
• Reduce the use of personal vehicles, stop unnecessary idling; avoid using oil-based paints and glues, pesticides and gas-powered small engines.

For more information on how to protect your health during extreme heat, visit Exposure to Hot/Cold Temperatures