Heat alert system launched for province's municipalities

The Department of Health has launched the new heat alert and response system tomunicipalities across the province.

The system willalertcitizens about extreme heat, allowing them to take the proper precautions to prevent dehydration and heat stroke.

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The system had a five-year test run in Fredericton before being expanded to all cities and sometowns.

"I suspect that it's just a matter of time before we'll see all municipalities as well as community stakeholders ...that will be part of this system as well," said Dr. Yves Lger, Medical Officer of Health for the East region.

Dr. Jennifer Russell, acting Chief Medical Officer of Health, saysthe number of abnormally hot days ison the rise, and the consequences can be fatal.

"Here in Canada during extreme heat events in B.C. in 2009 we had 159 deaths and in Montreal in 2010 during an extreme heat event there were 111 deaths."

How the system works

In the event of extreme heat, New Brunswickers in participating municipalities will receive a warning via social media and the government's website.

The system is comprisedof three tiers;

• Heat Alert Level 1: humidex 35 - 39 for one day;
• High Heat Alert Level 2: humidex forecast 40 - 44 for one day or longer; and
• Extreme Heat Alert Level 3: humidex forecast greater than 45 for one day or longer.

Lger explained many factors determine what level of heat alert is issued once they receive information from Environment Canada.

"We do the assessment as well of not only the temperature but also the humidity levels, so the humidex. As well as how long during the day we'll actually reach that alert level."

The Department of Health issued a detailed list of precautions to follow on abnormally hot days, such as staying out of the sun and drinking more water.

Risks of high heat

The elderly, the veryyoung, the homeless and the socially isolated are vulnerable groups to high heat, Lger said.

"When there's a heat alert I want to remind New Brunswickers to be attentive to heat-related signs and symptoms with themselves as well as any vulnerable individuals that they may know."

Signs and symptoms of heat-related illness include headaches, light headedness, feeling faint or weak as well as sweating profusely, Lger says.

"If those aren't identified and addressed rapidly then that can progress to more severe conditions such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke," he added.

Municipalities participating in the heat alert system are:

• South region: St. Stephen, GrandBay-Westfield, Saint John, Rothesay, Quispamsis, Hampton and Sussex
• North region : Bathurst, Acadian Peninsula, Campbellton, Edmunston and Grand Falls
• Central region: Fredericton, Oromocto and Florenceville-Bristol
• East region: Moncton, Dieppe, Riverview and Miramichi