Temperatures in our city are set to hit the high 30s this weekend. Environment Canada is warning about a prolonged heat wave across much of Alberta for the next week. The City of Lethbridge is encouraging residents to be mindful of the sweltering heat during these days. Luke Palmer, the Emergency Preparedness Manager for the City, says there are some tips you can follow to beat the heat.
- Keep your blinds closed throughout the day
- Drink plenty of water if you head outside
- Open windows during the evening
- Avoid using your oven in the evenings
- Take breaks if you go outside
- Avoid peak outdoor times of noon to 12pm
- Give electronic devices a break if you go outside
- There is a fire ban at the river bottom, and no open fires are allowed at the time
- Lethbridge residents are being asked to exercise caution in the river valley and get rid of cigarette butts in a safe manner
The City of Lethbridge and Helping Organizations Coalition have worked together to prepare everyone for the hot weather.
- Streets Alive Mission, Interfaith Food Bank and the Lethbridge Food Bank have around 1500 water bottles that are available
- These organizations will be delivering water to vulnerable people in our city
- More water is delivered to the Lethbridge Shelter and Resource Centre and the Overdose Prevention Site Mobile Unit
- Individuals can come to the food banks or Streets Alive to get water
- City of Lethbridge Emergency Coordination Centre is preparing for the upcoming heat wave. The Emergency Social Service team will be available to help out if needed
- City facilities are able to be used as cooling centres for residents to be able to cool off (libraries, the mall, and the Park N’ Ride in the downtown)
- The Red Cross has been notified if they are needed in case of an emergency response
A heat warning in Alberta is given out when two or more days of daytime temperatures will reach 32 degrees Celsius or warmer and nighttime temperatures go to 16 degrees Celsius or warmer.
If anyone is experiencing a medical emergency during the hot weather make sure to call 911.