City concerned for most vulnerable during extreme heat

This week’s forecast is calling for lots of heat with temperatures expected to rise into the 30s. That heat can pose risks for heat-related illness. The city says their biggest concern is those who don’t have access to an appropriate shelter where there is air conditioning.

“People with underlying health ailments can be affected adversely by extreme heat or extreme temperature swings. We opened the spray parks, park and ride was open and then also some of our stakeholders, they opened their doors as well. We have water going around town and people going around and advising the vulnerable population and checking for signs of heat stress or anything else,” said Mike Fox, Director of Community Services for the City of Lethbridge.

“It’s 32 degrees for two or more days with an evening temperature of no less than 16 degrees, so those would be the temperatures where we would start to really activate and look and respond more I guess as required throughout those events. We have a number of opportunities, a number of partners, stakeholders within the community that help take care of each and every one of us. We have plans through our Emergency Management plan should we reach extreme temperatures whether that is hot or cold,” said Greg Adair, Fire Chief for the City of Lethbridge.

Some of the places locals can seek cooler shelter include the Lethbridge Soup Kitchen, Streets Alive, and the YWCA Harbour House.