City provides tips to tackle sweltering temps

By Ry Clarke - Lethbridge Herald Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on July 12, 2022.

Herald photo by Ry Clarke SAGE Clan volunteers distribute bottled water Monday afternoon in Galt Gardens to help people in the park stay hydrated and avoid heat stroke.

The City of Lethbridge is sharing tips to help residents stay safe with temperatures forecast to reach the mid 30s for the week.
July in Lethbridge often sees the highest temperatures, helping residents work on their tan while getting out and enjoying the city. But the importance of safety during heat waves is being stressed by the City of Lethbridge, cautioning higher risks of dehydration, heat stroke, and excessive electric use.
Mike Fox, director of community services for the City of Lethbridge, told reporters on Monday the City is always preparing for extreme weather conditions.
“On our website, we have an extreme weather response. Our emergency management team keeps that updated and makes sure they’re in touch with all service providers all the time to make sure that we’re ready for occasions when Environment and Climate Change Canada puts out the warnings about daytime temperatures for extreme temperatures.”
This week Lethbridge will see the thermometer peak in the mid 30s (Celsius) with sunshine and little cloud cover. With the higher temperatures comes an increase of heat-related illnesses, drought conditions, and a significant increase in power usage.
Alberta Health Services says the warmer weather leads to more sweating and excessive fluid loss which can lead to heat stroke. The effects cause those affected to suffer headaches, weakness, fatigue, nausea, and profuse sweating. Heat stroke is a medical emergency that can be fatal if left untreated, due to the body being unable to cool itself naturally. For all heat related illness patients should seek shelter from the sun, remove excess clothing and consume fluids such as water and juice. Staying hydrated during warm weather is the best form of prevention along with sunscreen and proper sun protection.
To help spread awareness on health and safety, the City of Lethbridge wants to ensure residents are aware of their health and provide solutions to beating the heat. Fire chief Greg Adair stresses the importance of cooling centers to help aid residents.
“We have a number of opportunities, a number of partner-stakeholders, within the community that help take care of each and every one of us. We have plans for our emergency management plan, should we reach extreme temperatures, whether that is hot or cold, and we would roll out those emergency management plans should we reach those extreme temperatures,” said Adair.
To help avoid dehydration the City has partnered with stakeholders in the community to set up water-distribution wagons to deliver water to residents out in the sunshine.
During extreme climate warnings residents are reminded to be aware of vulnerable members of the community who are at risk and without access to shelter. Local service organizations are available to help such as Alpha House, YWCA Harbour House, Lethbridge Soup Kitchen, and SAGE Clan. The City has also issued a public service announcement which includes tips and services to help during the extreme heat.
“With emergency management, we have an all-hazards Response Team. Pretty much what we do is work with all the stakeholders, so the provincial government and other stakeholders, to keep up on the climate forecasting. And we try and get ahead on these things. But again, that’s why we have protocols in place that if a cool time or a hot time comes in, there are ways that we can deal with it,” said Fox.
As temperatures climb residents should remember to leave home with an emergency bottle of water and not leave children or pets unattended in vehicles without proper air conditioning.
Adair stressed the importance of staying hydrated for public safety.
“Whether we’re in our homes, the elderly are very vulnerable, we want to make sure we take care of them. And hydration is the number one key and seek those cooler temperatures and opportunities. Whether that is through the mall, in your house in the shade, stay out of that direct sunlight.”