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Be prepared for weather in Ottawa this summer


No matter what the weather brings us this summer, be prepared to beat the heat and stay safe.


Extreme heat

Ottawa regularly experiences heat waves during the summer months. Whether you’re heading out for the day or into the wilderness for a few weeks, check Environment and Climate Change Canada for the latest weather forecasts and prepare accordingly.


During a heat wave, it’s important to:

  • Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day, preferably water, and limit or avoid caffeine and alcohol.

  • Avoid strenuous outdoor physical activity.

  • Limit or avoid direct exposure to the sun and wear a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and SPF lip balm.

  • Look for places to cool off with Ottawa Public Health’s interactive map. A public pool, splash pad, or air-conditioned building, like a shopping mall, library, or community centre, are a few cool places to visit.

  • Never leave children, older adults (aged 65+) or pets unattended in a car, even with the windows open.

  • People at risk may require additional support if spending prolonged periods in an indoor room temperature of 26 C or higher.


Visit Ottawa Public Health’s Beat the Heat page for more information, including tips on how to stay cool at home.


Poor outdoor air quality

In recent years, smoke from wildfires across North America has impacted Ottawa’s summertime air quality. Check the weather forecast or Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Air Quality Health Index to know what to expect over the next 24 hours.


During periods of poor outdoor air quality, be sure to:

  • Reduce the time you spend outdoors by moving activities indoors or rescheduling them to another day with better air quality.

  • Properly seal all windows and doors in your home and keep them closed to prevent the infiltration of outdoor air pollutants.

  • When there’s a heat event occurring and there is also poor outdoor air quality, prioritize keeping cool.

  • Set the ventilation system in your home or your car to recirculate; once the outdoor air quality improves, open windows and doors to bring in fresh air.


Ottawa Public Health has more information on how to reduce your exposure to poor outdoor air quality on their Outdoor Air Pollution page.


Summer storms

Thunderstorms, tornados, and even the remnants of hurricanes are known to pass through our region. Download Environment and Climate Change Canada’s free WeatherCAN mobile app for up-to-date weather forecasts and push notifications about extreme weather.


If you receive a warning about severe weather:

  • Be prepared to seek shelter if you’re outdoors and head to shore if you’re on the water.

  • Secure any loose outdoor furniture and make sure children and pets are inside.

  • Charge your phone and other devices in case there is a power outage.

  • Stay away from windows, especially if there are high winds.

  • Move to the basement or a small, enclosed space away from exterior walls, like a bathroom, closet or pantry, if the storms worsens.


Visit our website for more information on:

  • How to prepare for the different types of emergencies possible in Ottawa, including severe storms, high winds, and flash flooding

  • How to prevent basement flooding and what to do if it happens


Supports for people at risk

While everyone is at risk of heat related illness, some people are more quickly affected by heat - particularly young children, older adults (aged 65+), people experiencing homelessness, those exercising or working in hot conditions, and those with certain medical conditions. Service providers to these populations are encouraged to assess and adjust their programming as necessary to help prevent potential injuries or exposures. Additional supports may be required if spending prolonged periods of time in an indoor room temperature of 26 C or above.


There are many services available to help people experiencing homelessness:

  • Available overnight shelter spaces

  • Drop-in centres that offer supports such as showers, program activities, peer support, and housing supports

  • Outreach services that offer basic needs supports such as water and transportation to an available bed in the shelter system


Who to call

Call 9-1-1 for emergency medical assistance, such as for heat stroke, or other life-threatening situations.


Call 3-1-1 to get referred to an available shelter space or to get assistance for someone who needs transportation to get out of the heat. Please note, if someone is in medical distress call 9-1-1.



Stay informed

Before, during and after an emergency, like severe weather, refer to our Information sources for emergencies page to keep yourself, your family and your neighbours as informed as possible.


During an urgent situation, the City will send guidance and recovery information through Ottawa Alert. These emergency notifications are sent through an app, SMS, email, telephone and more channels to subscribed residents, businesses and visitors.

 
 
 

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