Fort Macleod and district residents are urged to take care during a heat wave that is expected to drive temperatures to 35 Celsius or higher into next week.
“Extreme heat can effect everyone’s health,” said Jennifer Smith, a meteorologist with the Meteorological Service of Canada. “We need to take care of each other, especially our vulnerable populations.”
Smith and Peter Barry, senior policy analyst and science advisor for Health Canada, held a news conference Monday to urge people to prepare for and extended heat event.
Smith explained that a ridge of high pressure over western North America is setting up a prolonged heat event.
Meteorologists have issued heat warnings for B.C., the southern North West Territories and parts of Alberta and Saskatchewan.
Daytime highs are forecast to be 30 to 35 Celsius, dropping only to the mid teens overnight.
Smith said that for people who do not have effective cooling, the heat wave can be dangerous.
“These hot and dry conditions will heighten wildfire risk,” Smith added.
Fort Macleod and district residents are encouraged to check on loved ones, especially those who may be socially isolated or live in housing without air conditioning.
“Extreme heat can effect anyone,” Barry said. “However, Indigenous peoples, older adults, infants, young children and people with chronic illnesses are at greater risk.”
Heat stroke is a life-threatening medical emergency, which requires medical attention as soon as possible.
Symptoms of heat stroke include confusion, severe restlessness or anxiety, nausea and vomiting, fast heart rate, lack of sweat, dizziness, fainting, or unconsciousness.
Alberta Health Services suggested 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.
Smith said 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.
