A Harmonized Heat Warning and Information System for Ontario (HWIS)

Organization: Environment and Climate Change Canada; Health Canada; Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care; Public Health Ontario

This document is intended to support planning for boards of health and public health units (PHUs) in Ontario. Other levels of government and potential partners may also choose to use the guidance contained in this document. It includes

Governance: roles, responsibilities, and decision-making structures

Triggers for the issuing of various heat warning to the public health units from a central source, and mechanisms for disseminating these warnings

Definitions of warnings, along with suggested core activities

Communications messaging to support the various warning levels

Planning guidance to support the public health units and local partners in their heat response planning