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As the prospect of a heat wave with maximum temperatures in the mid-30s and a humidex factor that could crack 40 degrees loomed on Monday, the city of Montreal’s protocols for monitoring and dealing with extreme heat had yet to be officially activated.
But preliminary steps to deal with the expected increase in temperature — and in the demand for ways to cool off — were already being taken.
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City spokesperson Philippe Sabourin said Montreal’s boroughs were working to open their outdoor pools, wading pools and misting stations earlier in anticipation of the heat, but suggested residents check their local borough’s website before heading out for a swim.
Support teams have also been assigned to speak to the city’s unhoused population and urge them to take advantage of the air conditioning in local shelters.
According to the city’s website, measures for dealing with extreme heat are triggered by a weather forecast that includes “a temperature that stays at or above 33 C (cumulative average) during the day and does not go below 20 C at night, for three consecutive days,” and “a temperature at or above 25 C for two consecutive nights.”
The forecast for the next three days seems to fulfill the necessary daytime requirements of activating the city’s heat wave response plan, while that for the evening misses only by a couple of degrees.
Should the city respond as it has in the past, its first steps will be to “extend opening hours for swimming pools, wading pools, play fountains and beaches, as well as a number of air-conditioned public buildings … provided so that people can cool off.”
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The city also provides a list of the neighbourhood parks, nature parks and large parks, swimming pools, wading pools, mist stations and play fountains and libraries where Montrealers can seek refuge from the heat.
The city will also work with the local health authority to ensure sure that the most vulnerable people are safe. The vulnerable are defined as:
- Children under 4
- People aged 65 and over who do not have air conditioning
- Chronically ill people with diabetes or cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, respiratory or neurological illnesses
- People experiencing mental health problems (especially schizophrenia) or problems of alcoholism or drug addiction
- People living alone and experiencing reduced autonomy
- Workers or athletes involved in strenuous physical activity
Residents are also urged to pay attention to their own conditions in the heat and to contact 811 or a health-care professional should they experience any of the following symptoms:
- Exhaustion (fatigue)
- Dehydration (dry mouth)
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Fainting
They are also reminded that if they have these symptoms and are also feverish, they may be experiencing heatstroke and should immediately call 911.
And, finally, the city is recommending that in the event of a heat wave, residents take a few minutes to check in on the condition of their friends and family and those in their neighbourhood who might be isolated or otherwise vulnerable.
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