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Temperatures soar with no cool-down in sightContinued from page 1We are concerned about the dryness, in general, of the grass "With the forecast for the week calling for high temperatures, and vegetation around Oakville and the potential for a larger and residents are reminded to take extra precautions when outdoors," more-difficult-to-deal-with vegetation fire, if that were to occur, said Nina deVaal, the Towns director of Recreation and Culture, in said acting fire chief Lee Grant.a press release. "Our air-conditioned community centres, library The acting chief said grass fires tend to start in Oakville around branches and Town Hall offer a great way to stay cool or come highways and railway tracks as a result of vehicle operation and enjoy one of our many pools and splash pads."accidents.The Town-run summer day camps are having their programs Furthermore, though less likely to occur, fires in the north modified to help ease the stress in the heat, such as more passive Oakville wooded areas could be problematic because of the large games and more time spent in the water. When packing for chil-amounts of vegetation. drens day camp, parents are asked to pack extra drinks, a towel Certainly, the potential for a larger problem exists up there (in and a change of clothes.north Oakville), if we do get one.The Region reminds people that even short periods of high Because Oakville has a no-open fire bylaw, the danger is less-temperatures can cause serious health problems. To help reduce ened. However, the fire department is ready just in case.heat-related illnesses, the Region says people should stay out of We have all our equipment ready to roll in case we do get a the sun or heat and go into air-conditioned sites, such as malls and vegetation fire.community centres and avoid strenuous outdoor activities. Aside from fighting blazes, the fire department has another People should also be careful about what they consume. The concern.Region tells people to drink lots of water and natural fruit juices In addition to that, on a totally separate area of concern, is and to avoid alcohol, coffee and pop.keeping our firefighters cool and hydrated and as capable as pos-Oakville Hydro is hoping people can help reduce the strain on sible of dealing with a fire, particularly one that lasts more than an the provinces power system during the hot time of the year when hour or so, Grant said.electricity is in high demand. Oakville Hydro is asking people to We have made sure we have extra bottles of water and well be reduce electricity consumption where possible, especially during TRACEY WHITE / SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER rolling our command vehicle, if we need it, which is air condi-peak hours of 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.tioned, to the scene so people can get cooled off if they have to.DIVING INTO SUMMER:Adam Pike, left, and GabeIt asks people to turn their thermostats to 25 degrees or A plus on the local level, water levels available to fire hydrants Mallory dive into Lake Ontario. It's generally cooler, by a fewhigher, or even to turn them off when practical. Other tips include have not been a concern. degrees, at the lakefront.hanging washed clothes outside to dry, open windows when pos-The Region maintains those levels and, if needed, can issue sible and to close blinds and drapes on the sunny side of the home, cipitation by the Beavers press time on Tuesday afternoon. The lawn-watering advisories.dont use hot water to wash clothes and more. To read the full list norm for all of July is about 70 mm. Precipitation data is not avail-Were fortunate here in Oakville and Burlington, Grant said. of tips, visit www.oakvillyhydro.com.able for Oakville.Within Halton Region we have an excellent water distribution To exacerbate the issue, there has been a lack of rain. According The hot weather and lack of rain is giving the Oakville Fire system. We dont have the same kind of problems many other to Environment Canada, Toronto has only seen 4.4 mm of pre-Department some concerns as well.municipalities in Ontario do.Karen & Kim'sSUMMER Helping You Make SALESmart Decisions About Your MoneyKaren & KimOakville's Fashion Experts%50 offSummer Fashionsand Bathing SuitsPeter WatsonMBA, CFP, R.F.P., CIM, FCSIWatch Us FashionsLadies' Clothing220 Randall Street Downtown Oakville1131 Nottinghill Gate(Glen Abbey) Phone: 905.842.2100www.peterwatsoninvestments.com905E 7 Days Sunday 11-5-827-2271OPN3 Wednesday, July 20, 2011 OAKVILLE BEAVER www.insideHALTON.com