HOT WEATHER RESPONSE IN THE GTA

The Role of Red Cross DM Volunteers During the Hot Weather Alert Season

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BACKGROUNDTORONTO Toronto Public Health (TPH) and the City of Toronto has established a Hot

Weather Response Plan to protect the health of its residents. From May 15th to September 30th, TPH tracks weather patterns to

determine when residents of Toronto are at increased risk The role of the Canadian Red Cross is outlined in this plan and it also

serves as a framework for coordinating the efforts of the City of Toronto and other community agencies that provide assistance to the vulnerable in Toronto.

PEELCity of Brampton monitors temperatures and decides when its residents require cooling centers be open.

No current Heat Season established or agreement with CRCSupport given to the City as required

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NOTIFICATION OF ALERTS

TORONTO The Medical Officer of Health or their designate will call a Heat Alert

or Extreme Heat Alert when the oppressive air mass is forecast and the likelihood of excess mortality exceeds 65 or 90% respectively.

TPH will notify the Canadian Red Cross by email/telephone and by fax.

Red Cross staff will notify the volunteers who have indicated availability for that day as soon as a notification is received.

PEELIf The City of Brampton decides that cooling centers are required then negotiations of support will take place.

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WHAT SERVICES DO WE PROVIDE

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COOLING CENTRES

The purpose of cooling centres is to prevent heat-related illness and injury by providing residents with an air-conditioned public space in which they are free to rest and allow their body temperature to return to normal.

These are open in Toronto when an extreme alert is issued but are not run or assisted by CRC. They are open in Brampton when a need is identified and CRC can be contacted to assist.

What is provided at the Cooling Centres:

An Air-Conditioned space to sit. Cool Drinking Water Resting Space Information pamphlets

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OUTREACHAs part of Toronto’s Hot Weather Response Plan, we provide outreach services in the City of Toronto when either a Heat Alert or Extreme Heat Alert is called.

We provide 2 outreaches per day in various parks in downtown Toronto to ensure that we check up on the health and well-being of individuals in these parks and ensure they know the risks of being outside.

We distribute water to other social service agencies that request it—we provide a 2-day supply of water of 8 cases to each agency per request.

No outreach is provided in Peel Region

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Street Outreach is performed when either a Heat Alert or Extreme Heat Alert is called.

Outreach is performed at 6 parks in downtown Toronto.1. Allan Gardens2. Moss Park3. Metropolitan United Church4. St. James Park5. Alexandra Park6. Grange Park

Outreach is performed twice a day at 10 am and 2 pm Outreach is done by teams of 2-4 (usually a driver and 1 to 3

volunteers doing the outreach). There is a Heat Alert Water Distribution Form that is to be filled

out each and every time.

STREET OUTREACH

OUTREACH- BEST PRACTICES Always be aware of anyone that is exhibiting the symptoms of

heat-related illnesses. Please remember to bring the DM cell phone with you- in case

you encounter an emergency Always wear your vest- and if you need to smoke/ eat, please

remember to take it off before doing so Never go into areas of the park by yourself If you identify an emergency- call 911 instead of trying to

diagnose the problem yourself Always approach someone face on (keeping a safe distance

and allowing them their personal space) never touch anyone without their permission

Engage in conversation with people as often as you can. Never ever leave the vehicle unattended and unlocked. Remember to take care of yourself—wear light coloured

clothing, a hat if needed, sunscreen and remember to stay hydrated!

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DOCUMENTATION

The following form needs to be completed during the outreach - this ensures we capture information regarding the outreach (here is an example of how it should be filled out)

Heat Alert Water Distribution Form

DateLocation (Park, Street etc.)

Time # of Bottles given

# of Clients

# of Brochures given

% Male/

Female

Other

Requests

06/05/11 Moss Park 12:00 pm 56 56 42 50/50 Client wanted clothing

06/05/11 Metropolitan United Church

12:20 2 1 2 100% male

TRANSPORTING CLIENTS

If while on outreach and we come across clients who we identified as people who are in need of respite from the heat we can offer them 2 options:

1.Transportation to a cooler place (library, or mall, community centre, drop in centre)2.TTC Tokens (so that they may get to a cooler place themselves)

If we identify someone who is suffering from extreme heat stroke, or we find someone who is unconscious (which often occurs) and unresponsive, please use the emergency cell phone provided in all vehicles and call emergency services.

(If the team does not feel safe in transporting a client, please issue them 2 TTC tokens one to get to their destination and one to get back home, please ensure you record this distribution.)

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HEAT-RELATED ILLNESS

In the summer the combination of high heat and high humidity can be very dangerous.

People at Risk during these weather conditions include: The elderly People with chronic illnesses (i.e. diabetes, heart diseases) Infants and school children People who exercise vigorously People taking certain medications (i.e. for specific health

conditions) Homeless or marginally-housed individuals

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SYMPTOMS OF HEAT-RELATED ILLNESSES TO LOOK OUT FOR

Shortness of BreathHeadacheDizzinessFainting

Chest PainsMuscle Cramps

NauseaSunburn

Heat RashVomiting

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BE AWARE- BE SAFE! When working outreach you must be aware that you will be

outside for most of the time Please ensure that you are well hydrated, have a hat, have on

comfortable footwear (no sandals- closed toed shoes only) and wear sunscreen!

Remember, you need to take care of yourself before you take care of anyone else! Know your own limits! If you need to take a break- please take a break!

Be aware of your surroundings, and always travel in groups of 2-3 (especially on outreach) and always check on your team members to ensure they are doing okay

Leave your belongings (bags, purses, wallets) in a secure place - have it locked up in the car or leave it at the office

If you are feeling the effects of the heat, make sure you pace yourself

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TOOLS FOR PROTECTION

When on response and you need to provide First Aid, perform CPR or assist an individual - please note that you have the appropriate tools on hand to protect you. Please

use these as a precautionary measure to keep yourself safe when on response. Our role is not to be an emergency

responder, so if you see a situation that you know you cannot attend to, please just call 9-11. But in the event that

you do find yourself exposed to a small emergency - remember to protect yourself first!

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Gloves, Mask, Hand Sanitizer and Face Shield

In the pockets of each vest there is a bag containing disposable non-latex gloves, a disposable mask and a bottle of hand sanitizer. Also attached to the vest

is a single use face shield for CPR. These tools are put in place in case there is an

emergency- these tools are to protect you should the need arise.

IF YOU USE THESE ITEMS PLEASE DISPOSE OF THEM IMMEDIATELY AND NOTIFY THE STAFF SO THAT THESE ITEMS CAN BE

REPLENISHED

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LIFTING SAFETY

A lot of our work in outreach involves transporting cases of water, which are often quite heavy. If you are involved with going out on outreach or water distribution please keep in

mind the importance of protecting your back. Please remember that you can seriously injure yourself if you don’t lift with the

proper technique.Keep in mind: Never attempt to lift by bending forward. Bend your hips and

knees to squat down to your load, keep it close to your body, and straighten your legs to lift.

Never lift a heavy object above shoulder level. Avoid turning or twisting your body while lifting or holding a

heavy object.

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MEDIA INQUIRIES

All media inquiries are to be directed to staff If you are approached by media you can let them know you

are assisting the public during a heat alert and you will connect them with staff.

Be sure to contact DM Staff when arriving at a park where a public event/gathering is taking place that may have media presence.

Please be aware that members of the media may not always identify themselves so be circumspect in answering any questions about the purpose of outreach, the volumes of clients assisted

Reassure anyone with questions that the appropriate staff people will be happy to help them

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WE’RE HERE FOR YOU!

When you are on street outreach- always know that resources and support is at your fingertips!

A cell phone is available in all vehicles and is to go out with every street outreach team

A binder with all instructions/protocol and important numbers are available in the street outreach vehicle

Staff are always available 24/7 so call if you have an incident/questions/concerns!

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HOW CAN YOU GET INVOLVED

When a heat alert is forecasted a sign up sheet will be sent out via email

Your availability will be recorded and a schedule and confirmation will be sent to you

IF a heat alert is called you will be contacted the morning of to report for your predetermined shift (no call by 8:30am, no heat alert response)

Please remember that we complete the schedule based on your response. If you become unavailable for the shift you have signed up for, we have to know ASAP to fill your place and fulfill our contract.

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THANK YOU!

We are mobilizing the power of humanity to reach those who are most vulnerable. We can only run this program through the assistance that you provide—thank you for giving you time to this program!

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