A heat warning remains in effect this week with daytime highs in the mid to high 30s Celsius forecast.
Health Canada issues heat warnings when high temperatures are expected to pose an elevated risk of heat illnesses, such as heat stroke or heat exhaustion.
A prolonged heat event continues this week, with daytime highs between 28 and 36 Celsius.
Overnight lows will remain warm, ranging from near 14 up to 21 Celsius, and will not provide much relief from the heat.
A fire ban went into place in the Town of Fort Macleod at 10 a.m. Friday.
A fire ban is also in place in the MD of Willow Creek.
All open burning is prohibited including campfires, fire pits, burn barrels, charcoal briquette barbecues and debris burning.
All active fire/burn permits are cancelled, and no new fire permits will be issued.
Fireworks and exploding targets are always prohibited.
Propane or natural gas appliances such as barbecues, stoves, heaters, portable fire pits are allowed if CSA-approved or UL-certified.
The Alberta government last week stressed the importance of the health and safety of workers exposed to extreme heat conditions.
“Alberta summers can present safety risks for those working outdoors or in hot environments,” Jobs, Economy and Trade Minister Matt Jones said. “It is crucial that employers and workers collaborate to minimize heat-related risks. It is our goal that every worker returns home safely after each and every work day.”
The Occupational Health and Safety Act requires employers to assess hazards and take all reasonable steps to protect the health and safety of workers.
Employers and workers should be aware of the early signs of heat stress and treat it immediately.
Signs include irritability, headache, dizziness and fatigue, heavy sweating, dehydration, muscle cramps and heat rash.
These symptoms can progress to heat stroke, a life-threatening condition requiring immediate medical attention.
Employers are encouraged to provide plenty of cool drinking water and reduce physical activity demands on workers.
In extreme heat, employers should change the work location to a cooler, shaded area and create a cooling station where workers can rest.
Employers are also urged to use a work and rest schedule with extra breaks; allow workers to acclimatize by gradually increasing the time spent working outdoors; and scheduling physically demanding jobs for cooler times of the day.
People can also start the work day earlier when it’s cooler and end the work day before the heat hits its peak.
Workers can stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.; wear suitable clothing; alert their supervisor or employer if they’re feeling heat stress symptoms; and work at a pace that does not produce heat stress symptoms.
Susceptibility to heat-related injury or illness varies from person to person.
Factors such as age, medical conditions, general health and fitness level and whether a worker is acclimatized to heat can make people more or less susceptible to feeling extreme heat.
Alberta Health Services recommended the following precautions to protect yourself from heat and sun.
- • Close your blinds or curtains and use awnings and shutters.
- Do activities early or later in the day when it is cooler.
- Use air conditioning if possible. If you don’t have air conditioning, go into the basement or visit a cool location, such as the library.
- Take frequent cool showers or baths and apply a cold towel to your neck.
When outdoors, people are advised to plan a place to take breaks in the shade to cool off.
People should drink lots of water and other non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated beverages to stay hydrated, and avoid strenuous activities if possible.
Use a water-resistant sunscreen that has a broad-spectrum sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher.
Relatively cooler temperatures can be found near water, such as the Oldman River.
Make sure pets have fresh water and keep them out of the heat as much as possible, and never leave a pet unattended in a vehicle.
Brush your pet’s coat to promote air circulation. Do not shave them as their fur protects them from the sun.
