A Message from Niagara Region’s Public Health Department
Posted July 2nd, 2026 on Niagara At Large
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has issued an orange alert for extreme temperatures in our region over the next few days. With the holiday happening tomorrow and many people planning to spend time outdoors, Niagara Region Public Health (NRPH) is reminding people to take precautions to protect themselves, their families, and their community during the extended heat event.
Heat safety reminders
- Drink plenty of water.
- Limit strenuous outdoor activities and plan them for the cooler morning or evening hours
- Wear lightweight, light-coloured clothing, and apply sunscreen regularly when spending time outdoors. Never leave children, older adults or pets unattended in a parked vehicle.
- Spend time in an air-conditioned building or a cool, shaded area, especially during the hottest parts of the day.
Many municipal recreational facilities [https://nrtransit.ca/news/cooling-centres/] are open to the public to get cool during extreme heat. Alcohol and other substances can increase the risk of dehydration and heat-related illness.
If you choose to consume alcohol or use substances, take extra precautions to stay hydrated and avoid using alone. Check in on others, including older adults, neighbours, friends and anyone who may be more vulnerable to extreme heat, especially those without access to air conditioning or experiencing homelessness.
If you see someone struggling in the heat, call 911 for emergency or 211 for outreach services to conduct well-being checks, distribute water and help connect people with places to cool down. Ensure pets have access to fresh water and shade and avoid going for walks during the hottest parts of the day.
Prolonged periods of high temperatures and humidity can increase the risk of heat-related illness, particularly for people experiencing homelessness, older adults, infants, young children, people with chronic health conditions, people who are pregnant, people without access to air conditioning, and those who work or spend long periods of time outdoors.
Symptoms of heat-related illness can include headache, dizziness, nausea, heavy sweating, muscle cramps, confusion or fainting.
For more information on staying safe during extreme heat, visit Niagara Region’s High Heat webpage. [https://www.niagararegion.ca/emergency/hazards/high-heat.aspx?topic=1] For an up-to-date status on the heat alert, visit Weather Information – Environment Canada [https://weather.gc.ca/?zoom=3¢er=52.85229219,-60.38017714] or download the WeatherCan app to receive alerts.
A Brief Footnote from Doug Draper at Niagara At Large – To underscore one of the warnings touched on about for some of the more stupid people out there, never, ever ever leave children or pets along in a car or truck in extremely hot weather. If you do, you might find someone like me smashing a window of your vehicle to rescue them while I am calling 9-1-1 to report you. If that sounds harsh, I don’t care.
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