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.

City of Kingston Extreme weather locations
Lionhearts Warming Centre - 218 Concession St. Kingston
Housing Resource Centre - Kingston Housing Services, 342 Patrick St. Kingston
Adelaide Emergency Shelter - 38 Cowdy St., Kingston. Open from 9 p.m. to 9 a.m. every day until early April
St. Mary's Warming Centre - St. Mary's Parish Drop-in Centre, 260 Brock St. Kingston
Morningstar Mission - 58 Water St. West, Napanee

Those at most risk from extreme weather include:

Infants, young children, and those who are elderly
Outdoor workers
People with chronic medical conditions or underlying infections
People taking certain medications (including beta blockers)
Winter sport enthusiasts
Homeless persons and those lacking shelter or proper clothing

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

Increased illness and death from extreme weather events
Increased risk of food and water-borne illness
Increased risk of vector-borne infectious diseases like Lyme disease, West Nile virus
Increased risk of respiratory diseases from poor air quality

Indirect health impacts of climate change

Psychosocial impacts like stress, well-being and mental health
Food insecurity

Contamination and availability of food and water

Changes in precipitation and temperature can influence the quality and quantity of food.

KFL&A Public Health:

Monitors public beaches for water safety
Inspects facilities where food is prepared, served, and sold
Collaborates on blue-green algae
Provides food safety education
Runs safe water programs, including well testing and small drinking water systems
Works with local governments and community partners to support a sustainable food system that is resilient to climate change

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:

Completes annual active tick surveillance
Monitors for West Nile virus
Tracks the incidence of vector-borne diseases

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

Summary of Health Canada's air quality health messages by category
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

Strathcona Paper Centre, 16 McPherson Dr, Napanee.
County of Lennox & Addington Libraries - Napanee Branch, 25 River Rd., Napanee.

Lennox & Addington

County of Lennox & Addington Libraries

City of Kingston

View City of Kingston extreme weather locations.

Township of Addington Highlands

Addington Highlands Community Centre, 31 Central St., Denbigh from 1 to 5:30 p.m.

Symptoms of smoke exposure

Milder and more common symptoms of smoke exposure include:

headaches
a mild cough
a runny nose
production of phlegm
eye, nose and throat irritation

These symptoms can typically be managed without medical intervention.

More serious symptoms include:

dizziness
chest pains
severe cough
shortness of breath
wheezing (including asthma attacks)
heart palpitations (irregular heart beat)

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:

seniors
pregnant people
infants and young children
people who work outdoors
people involved in strenuous outdoor exercise
people with an existing illness or chronic health conditions, such as:

cancer
diabetes
lung or heart conditions

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

Check the AQHI every day to find out regional air quality readings and forecasts for Ottawa.
Avoid strenuous outdoor work, exercise, and playtime.
Stay indoors in a cool, well-ventilated place and plan indoor activities for children.
If you must be outside, try to schedule your activities early in the morning when pollution levels are lowest.
If you experience symptoms such as tightness in your chest, wheezing, or shortness of breath, seek medical attention.

Avoid traffic-related air pollution

Schedule appointments and errands to avoid morning and evening rush hours.
Avoid high traffic roadways, even if you are in a vehicle, especially during rush hour. The further away you are from busy roads during exercise, the better. Exposure is reduced when you are at least 50 to 100 metres away.
When walking, taking a side street instead of a busy road can reduce your exposure to air pollution by up to 60%.
If possible and safe, walk on the side of the road that is upwind of the traffic.
Seek quieter roadways when exercising.

Use personal protective equipment

If 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 indoors

Health Canada suggests:

Keep windows and doors closed and turn on the air conditioning if possible. If you do not have air conditioning and it is too warm to stay inside with the windows closed, seek out local cooling or clean air space.
Use recirculation settings on your HVAC system to prevent smoke from entering your home.
Use a clean, good quality air filter (for example, HEPA) in your ventilation system.
Use an air purifier that uses HEPA filtration to remove smoke from your home. For more information on selecting an air purifier that is appropriate for your needs, refer to the "Using an air purifier to filter wildfire smoke" factsheet.
If you need additional support during a wildfire event. Community centres, libraries, and shopping malls can also provide a break from the smoke. A list of extreme weather locations can be found here: Extreme weather and climate change - KFL&A Public Health (kflaph.ca)
Keep vehicle windows closed and set the ventilation system to recirculate.

Additional recommendations

Drink plenty of water to help your body cope with the smoke. Check on others who are in your care or live nearby who may be more vulnerable to smoke.
Take additional actions to reduce sources of indoor air pollution.

If smoke is present for more than a few days:

Stay active when you can. Try finding a place with clean air to exercise indoors, for instance at the gym, the community centre or at home. Consult the AQHI to look for breaks in the smoke to find opportunities to go outdoors.
Take care of your mental health. It's not unusual to feel anxious, stressed out, sad or isolated during a smoke event. Eating well, getting enough sleep, exercising and staying in contact with friends can help. Anyone who is having trouble coping with symptoms of stress, anxiety or depression should seek help from a health care provider.

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.
Environment Canada is monitoring the situation. Continue to check Environment Canada’s Air Quality Health Index (AQHI).

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.

Download, print and share Health Canada's Wildfire Smoke 101 factsheets:

Download the WeatherCAN app, available on iOS and Android devices, and receive free notifications about weather events, extreme heat and special air quality statements.
Consult the air quality health index (AQHI) and learn how to use the AQHI to check air quality conditions in your community.
Protect your indoor air from outdoor pollutants – ensuring good indoor air quality is especially important during periods of poor outdoor air quality.
If you are responsible for creating or managing community-based cleaner air spaces for wildfire smoke events, find advice and a simple checklist within the Cleaner Air Spaces Guidance.
Purchase a clean, good quality air filter (for example, HEPA filter) for your ventilation system or portable air purifier.
Be well-aware – protect your well water during and after a wildfire emergency.

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.