Climate Change and Extreme Weather

Air pollution can negatively impact your health, causing respiratory issues, allergies, and heart problems. It often comes from vehicle emissions, industrial activities, and wildfires. To protect yourself and your property from air pollution:

• Limit outdoor activities and keep windows closed on high pollution days.
• Use air purifiers indoors.
• Seal gaps in doors and windows using weatherstripping or caulking.
• Stay informed through local air quality alerts to better plan your day such as through a weather app on your phone.

Additional resources:

• Climate Atlas of Canada – Climate Change, Air Quality, and Public Health
• Durham Region - Air Quality

Extreme heat and cold events are becoming more frequent and intense in Whitby, posing risks to health, safety and infrastructure. For cold and heat warnings, receive email updates by registering through Durham Region’s alert system.

High temperatures can lead to heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion or heat stroke, particularly for young children, the elderly and people with chronic health conditions. Here’s how you can prepare for extreme heat:

• Stay hydrated by drinking water throughout the day.
• Limit outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day (~10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.)
• Choose loose, light coloured clothing to help your body stay cool.
• Install or upgrade insulation in your attic and walls.
• Install heat-reflective window films, shades, or blinds to block out direct sunlight, or plant a tree to provide natural shade.

On the other hand, severe cold can result in hypothermia, frostbite, and damage to homes and infrastructure, such as frozen pipes and power outages. Here’s how you can prepare for extreme cold:

• Avoid wearing wet clothing.
• Protect your extremities by wearing gloves, wool socks, and a hat that covers your ears.
• Insulate water pipes, especially those in unheated areas like basements, attics, or exterior walls.
• Seal gaps with weatherstripping or caulking, and ensure your attic and walls are properly insulated.

Additional resources:

• Whitby Cooling Centres, Splash Pads and Pools 
• Durham Region – Cold Weather and Alerts
• Durham Region – Extreme Heat and Humidity
• Government of Canada – Extreme Cold – Get Prepared
• Government of Canada – Extreme Heat – Get Prepared  
• Extreme heat health check tool

Flooding can occur quickly due to heavy rainfall, melting snow, or rising rivers and lakes. It can cause extensive damage to property and pose serious health risks. In the event of a flood emergency, it’s crucial to be prepared. Here’s how you can prepare for a flood:

• Check your property’s flood zone status through Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority’s Flood Forecasting and Warning Tool.
• Stock up on essentials like water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, medications, and important documents.
• Identify multiple routes out of your home and town in case roads are flooded.
• Move valuable possessions and electrical equipment above potential flood levels.
• Use flood barriers or sandbags around entrances and windows.
• Apply waterproof coatings or sealants to walls and foundations, especially in the basement.
• Listen to local news or weather alerts for flood warnings and evacuation instructions.
• Never attempt to drive or walk through floodwaters, as they can be deceptively deep and swift.
• If you are instructed to evacuate, move to a safe, elevated area immediately.

Additional resources:

• Durham Region – Flooding
• Flood Ready Durham
• Government of Ontario – Flood Forecasting and Warning Program
• Government of Canada – Get Prepared  

Power outages can occur due to extreme weather events, such as storms, heatwaves, or cold snaps, which are increasingly linked to climate change. These disruptions can impact essential services, including heating, cooling, food preservation, and communication. To prepare, it’s important to have the following:

• An emergency kit with essentials like flashlights, batteries, non-perishable food, water, medications, and a battery-powered radio.
• Consider investing in backup power options, such as a generator.
• Ensure your home is weather-proofed.
• Stay informed by monitoring weather forecasts and local advisories.
• Create a plan for evacuation or shelter if necessary.

Additional resources:

• Government of Ontario – Power outages and blackouts
• Elexicon Energy – Outage Map
• Government of Canada – Power outages – Get Prepared 

Severe weather can cause significant disruptions and hazards in Whitby. Residents are urged to stay informed and take necessary precautions to stay safe. Here’s how you can prepare:

• Build an emergency kit with food, water, medications, and important documents.
• Keep extra blankets and have a flashlight with extra batteries.
• Secure loose objects, reinforce windows, and avoid outdoor activities during storm warnings.
• Ensure drains, downspouts and gutters are clear.
• Stay updated with weather alerts.
• Follow evacuation or shelter-in-place procedures if issued.

Additional resources:

• Government of Canada – Severe Storms – What to Do?
• Government of Ontario – Thunderstorm

As wildfires pose an increasing threat, it’s essential for residents of Whitby to stay informed and prepared. Wildfires can spread quickly, so understanding how to protect your home, family, and community is crucial. Here’s how you can prepare:

• Clear leaves, twigs, and dead vegetation from around your property. Trim trees and shrubs, and store firewood away from your home.
• Use fire-resistant or non-combustible materials for roofing, siding, and decking.
• Ensure you have essentials like water, non-perishable food, medications, and important documents packed in an emergency kit.
• Familiarize yourself with local evacuation routes and shelters and have a plan for how to evacuate if necessary.
• Monitor local news, weather alerts, and Town of Whitby social media for wildfire updates.

Additional resources:

• Government of Canada – Wildfires – Get Prepared
• Government of Ontario – Forest fires – safety information  
• Town of Whitby - Fire and Emergency Services 

Vector-borne diseases are illnesses transmitted to humans through the bite of infected vectors, such as mosquitos, ticks and fleas. Common examples include malaria, dengue, Lyme Disease and Zika virus. These diseases are often influenced by environmental factors, such as temperature, rainfall, and humidity, which can increase the prevalence of the vectors. To protect yourself, you can take the following measures:

• Use insect repellent containing DEET.
• Wear long sleeves and pants to minimize skin exposure.
• Eliminate standing water around your home (e.g., birdbaths, clogged gutters, flowerpots) to reduce breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
• After spending time outdoors, perform thorough tick checks and remove ticks promptly.

Additional resources:

• Public Health Ontario – Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases
• Durham Region – Tick-Borne Diseases

1. Choose a container or backpack that's durable, waterproof, and easy to carry.
2. Check your kit every six months. Replace expired food and medications, and ensure batteries are charged. 
3. Consider the unique needs of your family, including infants, elderly members, or pets and tailor your kit accordingly. 
4. Ensure everyone in your household knows where the kit is located and how to use its contents.
5. Develop an emergency plan including identifying safe locations, evacuation routes, and a communication plan with your family and friends. 

For a comprehensive list of items to include in your emergency kit, please refer to the resource provided by Durham Region – Emergency Preparedness.