An extreme heat alert has been declared for Monday August 23rd, 2021 in Chatham-Kent.
When Environment Canada issues an extreme heat alert, daytime cooling centres will be available in multiple locations, Municipal officials say.
Municipal offices in Blenheim, Chatham, Ridgetown, Tilbury, and Wallaceburg, will offer space for people to stop in, sit, have a drink of water, and cool off during regular business hours (Monday to Friday 8:30AM – 4:30PM).
Their locations can be found at https://www.chatham-kent.ca/services/Pages/Contact-Us.aspx or call 311 to enquire.
Additionally, Employment and Social Services will offer the same service at their main office lobby located on the 1st floor of the Community Human Services Building at 435 Grand Ave., West, Chatham.
Hope Haven will offer services and a cooling station at their location at 183 Wellington Street West, Chatham, from 9:00AM to 5:00PM as well.
Their regular hours are 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., seven days a week.
Local volunteer organizations, ROCK Missions (519-354-0430 ext. 205) and/or NeighbourLink (519-352-5647) can provide transportation free of charge for vulnerable people if needed.
It is important to note that Public Libraries in Chatham-Kent have re-opened for ‘Browse and Go’ service which offers a short respite from the heat.
Customers can enjoy 45 minutes of free internet use and time to browse our collections as an escape from the heat.
For information on their locations and open hours see: https://www.chatham-kent.ca/library/Pages/default.aspx
All locations will have COVID 19 safety protocols in place and attendees are required to wear face masks, stay six feet apart from others, use hand sanitization upon entry, etc.
Facility capacity limits are posted and regularly monitored, in accordance with Provincial requirements.
In addition, Chatham-Kent Employment and Social Services recently launched a temporary program to assist eligible Chatham-Kent residents with the purchase of a portable air conditioner.
Individuals or families in need will be eligible to receive up to $300 per household to purchase a new energy star certified air conditioner if they do not currently have a working air conditioner.
Applicants will be income tested and must fall below Statistics Canada low-income threshold for their household size to qualify.
Those who apply will be asked to verify their income and provide proof of enrolment in the Ontario Electricity Support Program, or willing to complete an application for the Ontario Electricity Support Program if paying hydro costs. Interested residents can apply by calling Chatham-Kent Employment and Social Services at 519-351-8573.
Anyone can be affected by extreme warm-related weather conditions, depending on length of time of exposure to heat and exertion levels. Those especially at risk include:
– Older adults over the age of 65
– Infants and young children
– Outdoor workers
– Homeless persons, and/or those lacking shelter, proper clothing or food
During extreme warm weather, residents are encouraged to call or visit friends and neighbours who may be at risk, and keep pets inside. For more information, see https://weather.gc.ca/warnings/report_e.html?on16
Anyone experiencing homelessness should call the homeless response line at 519-354-6628 (24/7).
