CK Changes Heat Alert System

You may not notice as many heat alerts in Chatham-Kent this summer. Health inspector Kurt Clemens says that's because the Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit is changing the requirements for what heat alerts actually mean. "To better line up with the heat alert system that Environment Canada runs," says Clemens. "Our goal is just to have our heat alert messaging coincide with theirs, so that there's not confusing or conflicting messaging going out to the public." Clemens says heat can still be a health risk even when alerts aren't issued. "Heat stroke, heat exhaustion , fainting caused by heat, heat edema, which is basically swelling caused be overheat exposure," he says. "Even heat rashes and cramps." Environment Canada issues heat alerts when there are two or more days where very high temperature and humidity poses a health risk. Windsor's health unit issued a heat alert yesterday with temps hitting 40 C (104 F) with humidity.