Extreme temperatures have arrived in Chatham-Kent but there’s help for folks suffering in July’s first heat wave.
Chatham-Kent Employment and Social Services is co-ordinating efforts to help local residents stay cool under the extreme heat alert.
Organizations have banded together with the municipality to open the ‘Out of the Heat’ cooling centre at Hope Haven located at 183 Wellington St. W in Chatham.
It will be open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
For people in need of a ride there, a number of local volunteer organizations, including ROCK Missions, 519-354-0430 ext. 205; and/or NeighbourLink, 519-352-5647 have joined together and will provide transportation to residents free of charge.
An extreme heat alert is issued when there is a forecast of two or more consecutive days with maximum daytime temperatures of 31C or hotter, combined with a night time minimum temperature of 20C or more.
Employment Services has also launched a temporary program to assist eligible Chatham-Kent residents with the purchase of a portable air conditioner. Those who qualify will be able to receive $300 per household if they do not have a working air conditioner.
Applicants will be income tested and must fall below the Statistics Canada low-income threshold. They will also be asked to provide proof of enrolment in the Ontario Electricity Support Program or be willing to apply.
Those interested can contact 519-351-8573.
Certain segments of the population are at higher risk in the extreme weather. Older adults over age 65, infants and young children, outdoor workers, and the homeless are especially vulnerable in extreme temperatures.
People are asked to check on their family and neighbours during the heat alert and keep pets inside.
Those who are homeless and in need of shelter are asked to call 519-351-8573 during office hours, or the Homeless Response Line at 519-354-6228 on evenings, weekends and holidays.
