Heat Advisory and Severe Thunderstorms

Posted On Friday July 19, 2019

With much of Southwestern Ontario under a heat warning advisory until Sunday, it is important to find ways to stay cool and hydrated. Follow the Red Cross’s advice and:

  • Never leave children or pets alone in enclosed vehicles.
  • Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol.
  • Eat small meals and eat more often.
  • Avoid extreme temperature changes.
  • Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun’s rays.
  • Slow down, stay indoors and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day.
  • Postpone outdoor games and activities.
  • Use a buddy system when working in excessive heat.
  • Take frequent breaks if you must work outdoors.
  • Check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning, who spend much of their time alone or who are more likely to be affected by the heat.
  • Check on your animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat.

Extreme heat can produce severe storms and much of Southwestern Ontario may be under Severe Thunderstorm Watches or Warnings this weekend. There are a number of ways you can prepare for high winds and heavy rainfall as noted on Government of Canada's "Get Prepared" website:

What to do if outside

  • If you are caught outside and you can see lightning or hear thunder, you are in danger of being hit. Seek shelter immediately either in an enclosed building or a hard-topped vehicle. There is no safe place outside in a thunderstorm.
  • If caught outside far from a safe location, stay away from tall objects, such as trees, poles, wires and fences. Take shelter in a low-lying area.
  • Wait 30 minutes after the last rumble of thunder before going outside again.

What to do if inside

  • Before a severe thunderstorm, unplug radios, televisions and appliances (especially those that may start up automatically when the power is restored). Listen for weather updates on your wind-up or battery-powered radio.
  • If you need to use the phone during a thunderstorm, use a cordless phone.
  • Stay away from items that may conduct electricity, such as corded telephones, appliances, sinks, bathtubs, radiators and metal pipes.
  • If hail is forecast, protect your vehicle by putting it in the garage or other enclosed space.
  • Take cover when hail begins to fall. Do not go out to cover plants, cars or garden furniture.
  • When a hailstorm hits, stay indoors, and keep yourself and your pets away from windows, glass doors and skylights which can shatter if hit by hailstones.

Need to report a claim?

Contact your agent or broker as soon as possible to discuss coverage and deductibles and to report damage.

As a policyholder of Middlesex Mutual our claims team will be with you every step of the way helping you through the process. They are committed to providing you with excellent customer service. To connect with our claims team please view our claims page.