The tripping of a protection mechanism on one of Hydro-Québec's high voltage transmission lines is to blame for outages that are mainly affecting the sectors of Saint-Laurent, Kirkland, Beaconsfield, Pointe-Claire, Notre-Dame-de-l'Île-Perrot, the Town of Mount Royal, Côte-des-Neiges-NDG, Hampstead and Côte Saint-Luc.
PHOTO: Hydro-Québec
As of 4:15 p.m. on July 6th, around 181 672 clients were without power on the Island of Montréal. Environment Canada has issued a heat warning as today's temperatures value near 40 degrees Celsius. On Friday, humidex values are expected to reach between 35 and 38. Here are some heat safety tips according to the Canadian Red Cross and Environment Canada:
Never leave people or pets inside a parked vehicle.
Avoid sugary, caffeinated, and alcoholic drinks: These beverages can contribute to dehydration and may not be the best choices for staying properly hydrated.
Drink water and replenish electrolytes: Water is essential for staying hydrated, especially when sweating. Consider combining water with snacks or a sports drink that contains electrolytes. This helps replace the salt and minerals lost through perspiration.
Signs of heat illness: This may include symptoms such as high body temperature (above 103°F or 39.4°C), hot and dry skin (lack of sweating), rapid heartbeat, throbbing headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps, and weakness.
Unconsciousness: If the person loses consciousness, it is a severe indication of heat stroke and requires immediate medical assistance.
Confusion: Confusion, disorientation, irritability, or altered mental state can be signs of heat-related illness and should not be ignored.
Stopped sweating: Heat stroke can cause the body's ability to sweat to shut down. If the person has stopped sweating despite the heat, it is a concerning symptom.
In these situations, it's crucial to call 911 or your local emergency number right away. While waiting for medical help, you can help the person by moving them to a cooler area, loosening tight clothing, and applying cool, wet cloths or ice packs to their body.
SOURCE: Hydro-Québec, Environment Canada, Red Cross.
