A heat alert level 1 has been issued for Fredericton, Miramichi, St. Stephen,Edmundston, Campbellton, Bathurst, Caraquet, Paquetville and the Carleton and Sunbury counties for Thursday, July 14. Humidex levels are predicted to be between 35 and 39 degrees for a significant portion of daylight hours.
“Extreme heat events can pose a risk to public health, even here in New Brunswick,” said Dr. Jennifer Russell, acting chief medical officer of health. “Families and friends should check regularly on those most at risk for heat-related illness to make sure they are properly protected.
Those most at risk for heat illness include the frail elderly, children four-years-old and under, people who are obese, people taking some prescription or over-the-counter medications, and people with certain chronic medical conditions.
Family, neighbours, friends, and health-care personnel should take steps to ensure that those people are monitored and properly cared for. In some cases, this may require temporarily moving the individual to a cooling centre established in the community.
New Brunswickers are also reminded to never leave someone or a pet inside a parked car.
The maximum humidex is normally recorded in the late afternoon. Since humidex values take into account both temperature and humidity, humidex is typically higher than the recorded temperature.
The Heat Alert and Response System has three levels based on the humidex:
Level 1 – heat alert: humidex 35 - 39 for one day:
When a heat alert level 1 is issued, certain vulnerable persons may be affected. The main cause of illness and death during a heat wave is the aggravation of pre-existing respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
Level 2 – high heat alert: humidex forecast 40 - 44 for one day or longer:
When a high heat alert level 2 is called, everyone is at increased risk of heat stress and heat stroke under the conditions.
Level 3 – extreme heat alert: humidex forecast greater than 45 for one day or longer:
During an extreme heat alert level 3, everyone is at high risk for heat-related illnesses and heat stroke.
More information is available on the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health website.
The Town of Oromocto is pleased to share with you its feature from the
"Insights with Terry Bradshaw" television program.
