Heat wave in Montréal: The city activates the intervention level of its extreme heat response plan

MONTRÉAL, July 3, 2018 /CNW Telbec/ - Following the recommendations of the regional public health authorities of the CIUSSS du Centre-Sud de l'Île-de-Montréal, the civil protection organization for the agglomeration of Montréal announces that it has activated the intervention level of its extreme heat response plan. This plan, which is progressive according to the weather conditions and the effects observed on the health of citizens, provides for the introduction of measures to ensure the well-being and safety of citizens.

"The safety of our citizens is our priority and we are working closely with all concerned partners to ensure everyone has obstacle-free access to cooling facilities during this particularly challenging period. I invite everyone to show solidarity with our more vulnerable citizens and I would like to thank our employees for their exceptional mobilization", declared the mayor of Montréal, Valérie Plante.

"Our teams are on the ground and closely monitoring the situation in order to adapt their actions according to the needs of the population. Today, we are activating our emergency measures coordination center to be able to deploy all necessary responses according to the latest developments", added the director of the Service de sécurité incendie de Montréal, Bruno Lachance, who is also civil protection coordinator for the agglomeration de Montréal.

The intervention level of the plan calls for the start of a joint door-to-door operation by the Service de sécurité incendie de Montréal and the Service de police de la Ville de Montréal in order to reach the most vulnerable populations and distribute safety advice in certain priority areas.

Please note that since the beginning of the extreme heat and humidity wave in the metropolitan area, boroughs and related municipalities have extended the opening hours of their play fountains, pools and wading pools, as well as of their air conditioned municipal facilities. Borough residents may find the contact information and opening hours of these facilities on the city's website (www.ville.montreal.qc.ca), or by dialing 311. Residents of related municipalities can contact their city or look up the information on their municipality's website. Contact information is also available here. Some 17,000 litres of water have also been distributed to organizations providing assistance to the homeless and an additional 25,000 litres have been distributed to boroughs, related municipalities and emergency services.  

Health impacts
The city wishes to remind you of the main prevention measures put forth by the regional public health authorities of the CIUSSS du Centre-Sud de l'Île-de-Montréal, aiming to reduce health risks due to overwhelming or extreme heat.

It is strongly recommended to:

• Drink water often without waiting for signs of thirst
• Cool down frequently with a cool bath or shower
• Go spend a few hours in an air conditioned or cool place (malls, libraries, theatres, Space for life facilities, etc.)
• Limit physical activity
• Wear lightweight clothes

Vulnerable persons – young or old – persons suffering from mental illness, as well as persons suffering from chronic illnesses like diabetes or cardiovascular, respiratory, kidney or neurological diseases must be particularly vigilant, as well as children under the age of four.

If heat-related symptoms occur, dial 811. In emergency situations, dial 911. For more information on health risks, got to: https://santemontreal.qc.ca/en/heat/.

For additional advice, go to: site de la Sécurité civile.

For live updates, follow Ville de Montréal or your municipality/borough on Facebook or Twitter.

SOURCE Ville de Montréal - Cabinet de la mairesse et du comité exécutif

Ligne média, Ville de Montréal, 514 872-4946