Extreme weather and climate change
View extreme weather shelter locations in the KFL&A region
Extreme weather
Unexpected, unusual, unpredictable or unseasonal weather. Changing temperatures will increase the frequency of heat waves, storms, floods, droughts, and wildfires, which can affect asthma, chronic respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease, water quality and contamination.
KFL&A Public Health:
- Monitors extreme weather events forecasted by Environment Canada.
- Participates in municipal emergency response planning.
- Monitors rates of cold and heat related emergency department visits with the Public Health Information Management System (PHIMS).
- Works with local governments to support tree canopy preservation to mitigate against extreme heat and protect against Ultraviolet Radiation (UVR).
- Promotes sun safety and UVR protection to reduce skin cancer.
Extreme heat and cold
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) issue both heat and cold weather warnings to allow people and communities to prepare to avoid serious health effects from extreme weather temperatures.
It is important to be prepared for severe weather by:
- Limiting travel during severe weather events, unless necessary
- Monitoring the weather forecast
- Preparing for emergencies in advance
Extreme cold |
ECCC will issue cold weather warning when the temperature or wind chill is expected to reach -35°C for at least two hours. Recommended precautions include wearing multiple layers of clothing, covering exposed skin, staying hydrated, and maintaining a heated indoor environment. Vulnerable groups, such as older adults and people experiencing homelessness, should be checked on frequently to ensure they are in a safe and warm environment. During extreme cold events, it is important to protect pipes from freezing and to use space heaters safely. It is also important to watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia and seek medical attention when necessary. |
Extreme heat |
ECCC issues heat warnings when there is a forecast of two or more consecutive days with with daytime maximum temperatures of 31°C or warmer, together with nighttime minimum temperatures of 20°C or warmer or when there is a forecast of two or more consecutive days with humidex values expected to reach 40 or higher. To protect yourself during extreme heat, it is important to drink plenty of water, limit time outdoors during the hottest part of the day, wear sunscreen and light, loose-fitted clothing, and seek shade or cool off in an air-conditioned space. Vulnerable groups, such as older adults and people experiencing homelessness, should be checked on frequently to ensure they are in a safe and cool environment. The Canadian Red Cross has more information on how to stay safe during heat waves. It is also important to watch for signs of heat illness. Heat stroke is a medical emergency, call 911 if you are caring for someone who has a high body temperature and is either unconscious, confused or has stopped sweating. Contact Health811 at 1-866-797-0000 for free medical advice. |
Extreme weather shelter locations in the KFL&A area |
Extreme weather shelter locations are public and private spaces within the KFL&A region where you are welcome to come in and seek shelter during extreme weather events. Please call ahead to confirm hours of operation and if there is capacity.
Those at most risk from extreme weather include:
For further information including services for those experiencing homelessness, please contact the City of Kingston or your local municipality. |
Climate change
Climate change is defined as long-term changes in climate conditions, that are identified by changes in temperature, precipitation, wind and other indicators.
Climate change impacts the health of all people. Potential health impacts can be direct or indirect.
Direct health impacts of climate change |
|
Indirect health impacts of climate change |
|
Contamination and availability of food and water |
Changes in precipitation and temperature can influence the quality and quantity of food. KFL&A Public Health:
|
Vector-borne infectious diseases |
Changes in climate can lengthen the transmission seasons of certain vector-borne diseases and expand their geographic range. KFL&A Public Health:
|
Air quality due to wildfire smoke and pollution levels
If you are living in an area affected by wildfire smoke, you can learn about wildfire smoke events, the effects of wildfire smoke on your health, and how to protect yourself by visiting the Government of Canada's Wildfire smoke, air quality and your health website.
If you must spend time outdoors, a well-fitted respirator type mask (such as a NIOSH certified N95 or equivalent respirator) that does not allow air to pass through small openings between the mask and face, can help reduce your exposure to the fine particles in smoke.
These fine particles generally pose the greatest risk to health. However, respirators do not reduce exposure to the gases in wildfire smoke. It is important to listen to your body and reduce or stop activities if you are experiencing symptoms.
When participating in or organizing activities, it's best to conduct your own risk assessment. Assess the risks, consider the conditions, and make decisions that align with your well-being.
Check local Air Quality Health Index
Health risk | Air Quality Health Index | Health messages | |
---|---|---|---|
At risk population* | General population | ||
Low risk | 1 to 3 | Enjoy your usual outdoor activities. | Ideal air quality for outdoor activities. |
Moderate risk | 4 to 6 | Consider reducing or rescheduling strenuous activities outdoors if you are experiencing symptoms. | No need to modify your usual outdoor activities unless you experience symptoms such as coughing and throat irritation. |
High risk | 7 to 10 | Reduce or reschedule strenuous activities outdoors. Children and the elderly should also take it easy. | Consider reducing or rescheduling strenuous activities outdoors if you experience symptoms such as coughing and throat irritation. |
Very high risk | Above 10 | Avoid strenuous activities outdoors. Children and the elderly should also avoid outdoor physical exertion. | Reduce or reschedule strenuous activities outdoors, especially if you experience symptoms such as coughing and throat irritation. |
Indoor clean air locations in our region |
Greater Napanee
Lennox & AddingtonCounty of Lennox & Addington Libraries City of KingstonView City of Kingston extreme weather locations. Township of Addington Highlands
|
Symptoms of smoke exposure |
Milder and more common symptoms of smoke exposure include:
These symptoms can typically be managed without medical intervention. More serious symptoms include:
If you have any of these symptoms, talk to a health care provider or seek urgent medical attention. Less commonly, exposure to wildfire smoke can lead to heart attack, stroke and even premature death. If you think you are having a medical emergency, dial 911 and seek immediate medical assistance. Some people are at a higher risk of health problems when exposed to wildfire smoke including:
|
How to reduce your exposure to wildfire smoke |
The best way to protect your health is to reduce your exposure to wildfire smoke. Pay attention to the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI), special air quality statements or other indicators of smoke levels in your community. If necessary, limit outdoor activity and strenuous physical activities. If you have difficulty breathing, stop activity altogether. Reduce time outdoors when outdoor air pollution levels are high
Avoid traffic-related air pollution
Use personal protective equipmentIf you need to work outdoors or if you must spend time outdoors, a well-fitted respirator type mask (such as a NIOSH certified N95 or equivalent respirator) that does not allow air to pass through small openings between the mask and face, can help reduce your exposure to the fine particles in smoke. These fine particles generally pose the greatest risk to health. However, respirators do not reduce exposure to the gases in wildfire smoke. It is important to listen to your body and reduce or stop activities if you are experiencing symptoms. Protecting yourself when indoorsHealth Canada suggests:
Additional recommendations
If smoke is present for more than a few days:
If you are living in an area affected by wildfire smoke, you can learn about wildfire smoke events, the effects of wildfire smoke on your health, and how to protect yourself by visiting the Government of Canada's Wildfire smoke, air quality and your health webpage. |
How long will an special air quality statement be in place? |
Air quality and visibility due to wildfire smoke can fluctuate over short distances and can vary considerably from hour to hour. |
Recommendations for seniors and those at risk. |
You should consult with your health care provider. If you have any underlying conditions, especially lung or heart, you would be at higher risk. It is recommended that outdoor activities are limited. |
Recommendations for schools and daycares |
Proceeding with outdoor school activities is currently at the discretion of the school boards and child care centre. As per the Special Air Quality Statement from Environment Canada, we have advised that individuals who are outdoors should take breaks indoors and that they stop or reduce activity if breathing becomes uncomfortable or they begin to feel unwell. As air quality can change throughout the day, we recommend continuously checking Environment Canada’s Air Quality Health Index (AQHI). |
Resources on air quality |
Find the latest information online regarding wildfire smoke and health and how to reduce exposure.
|
In Canada, wildfires can significantly increase air pollution levels. Wildfire smoke is a complex mixture of gases, particles, and water vapour that contains:
- Ozone.
- Sulphur dioxide.
- Nitrogen dioxide.
- Carbon monoxide.
- Volatile organic compounds.
- Fine particulate matter (PM2.5).
These pollutants can harm your health, with PM2.5 posing the greatest risk.
There is no evidence of a safe level of exposure for most of these pollutants. This means that smoke can impact your health even at very low levels. As smoke levels increase, your health risks increase. Air quality may be decreased even if you can't see or smell smoke.