Climate Change FAQ
FAQs
Workplaces
What should I do if my employees work outside and I am worried about heat-related illnesses? |
It is important you:
If you need to work outdoors, check with your provincial occupational health and safety association. Resources
Workers can learn more on our extreme temperatures page. |
Schools and childcare settings
At what temperature or humidex should we keep students indoors, and cancel sporting events and trips? |
KFL&A Public Health does not set out maximum or minimum temperatures for outdoor play. As such, it is important that you:
Resources
|
Landlords
What if my rental unit is too hot? |
In Ontario, the Residential Tenancies Act sets out the rights, responsibilities and rules for landlords and tenants. You would need to check your lease for specifics on being provided or using an air conditioner. Resources
Tenants can learn more on our extreme temperatures page. |
How can I help my tenants avoid heat-related illness? |
A landlord can take the following measures to decrease the risk of heat-related illness for residents or tenants:
Additional Resources
|
Workplaces
What should I do if my employees work outside and I am worried about cold-related illnesses? |
It is important you:
If you need to work outdoors, check with your provincial occupational health and safety associations. Resources
Workers can learn more on our extreme temperatures page. |
Schools and childcare settings
At what temperature or wind chill should we keep students indoors? |
KFL&A Public Health does not set out maximum or minimum temperatures for outdoor play. As such, it is important that you:
Resources
|
What if there is no heat or it's too cold in my rental unit? |
In Ontario, the Residential Tenancies Act sets out the rights, responsibilities and rules for landlords and tenants. According to Ontario Regulation 517/06, if a landlord provides heat, it must be kept at a minimum temperature of 20°C from Sept. 1 to June 15. However, some municipal standards may be higher. Resources
Tenants can learn more on our extreme temperatures page. |
Extreme weather and natural hazards
Landlords
How can extreme weather impact well water in my rental unit? |
Under the Health Protection and Promotion Act, every person who owns a residential building shall provide potable water for the residents of the residential building. Extreme weather, floods, fire and drought are examples of events that can damage wells and contaminate well water. The only way to know if your water is safe to drink after an emergency is to have it tested. Resources
Tenants can learn more on our extreme weather and natural hazards page
|
Landlords
How to I create a tick-free zone on the property? |
Maintaining your property is an effective way to keep ticks away. This includes:
|
How do I keep mosquitos away from the property? |
To keep mosquitos away:
|
What can landlords do about rats? |
Refer to municipal bylaw or contact your local bylaw enforcement. |
Schools and childcare settings
Are schools allowed to remove ticks? |
Refer to your school or school board’s internal policy. |
Is DEET safe for children? How often should it be applied |
DEET can be used safely when applied as directed and in the right concentration, depending on age. The right concentration of DEET for:
Resources
|
How do I create a tick-free zone on school property? |
Maintaining school property is an effective way to keep ticks away. This includes:
|
How do I keep mosquitos away from school property? |
To keep mosquitos away:
|
Workplaces
What can I do if I am worried about poor air quality or wildfire smoke in the workplace? |
If you need to work outdoors, check with your provincial occupational health and safety associations Resources
Workers can learn more on our air quality page. |
I am hosting a sporting or outdoor event, or operate an outdoor facility. What do I need to know when poor air quality is forecasted? |
Whether the sporting or outdoor event will proceed as planned is at the discretion of the organizers. When deciding whether to hold, continue, or modify an event, organizers should consider:
Consult the AQHI before and during an event, as AQHI levels may change quickly.
|
School and childcare settings
Should children go outside during periods of poor air quality, or kept indoors? Should sporting events and trips be cancelled? |
KFL&A Public Health does not set, mandate, or enforce air-quality related requirements in school and childcare settings. As such, it is important to:
|
Congregate living and care settings
What strategies can be used to improve quality of indoor air when outdoor air quality is poor? |
Resources
|
Landlords
I am worried about wildfire smoke or poor outside air quality entering my rental unit |
The best ways to reduce exposure to poor outdoor air quality or wildfire smoke is to prepare your properties. Here are some tips to help:
|
Schools and childcare settings
What types of sunscreen are safe for children? |
Refer to Health Canada for information on sunscreen safety tips, understanding sunscreen labels and types of sunscreens. |