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Heat Wave in Pointe-Claire: Stay Cool and Safe!
The City of Pointe-Claire is alerting residents to a heat wave starting today with humidex values expected to exceed 40 in the afternoon, lasting for three consecutive days. According to Environment Canada, a heatwave is defined as a period when maximum temperatures range between 30°C and 35°C, with overnight lows not dropping below 20°C, which is expected to continue until Thursday this week. A drop in temperatures is anticipated starting Friday.
How to stay cool and healthy?
1. Stay hydrated, even if you’re not thirsty:
- Keep a water bottle handy and aim for 6 to 8 glasses of water a day.
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can dehydrate you.
2. Give yourself a break from the heat:
- Make use of the city’s air-conditioned public spaces like the Library or the Aquatic Centre to spend a few hours in a cooler environment.
- Plan your days to avoid or minimize outdoor activities during the hottest hours.
3. Be vigilant with the most vulnerable:
- Ensure that the elderly, young children, or anyone with health issues receive extra attention.
- Never leave anyone, including pets, in a parked vehicle.
4. Take care of your body:
- Cool down with cold showers or by frequently dampening your skin.
- Wear light, loose-fitting, and light-colored clothing to help sweat evaporate.
5. Protect yourself if working outdoors:
- The above advice also applies here.
- If possible, adjust your schedules. Discuss with your employer about modifying your work hours to avoid the hottest times of the day.
- Wear appropriate protection such as wide-brimmed hats, lightweight materials, and sunscreen.
- Take frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas to reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses.
To cool off in Pointe-Claire
- Water games at Augusta and Valois parks – open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Outdoor pools in Pointe-Claire Village, Sunnyside, Cedar Park Heights, Lakeshore, Lakeside, Viking, and Valois – open from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
You must be a member to use these pools, but one-day passes are available at certain locations. Please contact your local pool to check if a membership is required to access the facilities during this heatwave. - Central library, air-conditioned – open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
and Valois branch, air conditioned – Tuesday : closed, Wednesday : open from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m., Thursday : closed - Aquatic Centre, air-conditioned – open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Olive-Urquhart Sports Centre, air-conditioned – open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Bob-Birnie Arena, air-conditioned – open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Stewart Hall Art Gallery, air-conditioned – Tuesday : open from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday : open from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday : open from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
For the nearest air-conditioned public space on the Island of Montreal, check the interactive map.
Health and emergencies:
During this heatwave, watch for symptoms of heatstroke such as cramps, skin rashes, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, headaches, fainting, changes in your breathing or heartbeat, or behavior changes in children.
If you notice these symptoms, do not hesitate to contact Info-Santé at 811.
In case of an emergency, dial 911.
And your pets?
They feel the heat too! Make sure they have a cool place, plenty of fresh water, and avoid leaving them in the sun.
Information
For more tips and resources, check out: