AJ Stephanson-Kay and his mum cooled down at Strathcona Island Park on Tuesday. -- NEWS PHOTO KENDALL KING
kking@medicinehatnews.com
As Southeast Albertans prepare for another couple of weeks of temperatures in the 30s, officials are sharing tips of how to stay safe and cool in extreme heat.
While summer is the perfect time for outdoor activities, city manager of parks, Dave Genio, says Albertans need to be aware of the risk extreme heat poses and prepare for such before heading outside.
“(We recommend) people maybe reschedule outdoor activities until cooler hours of the day,” Genio told the News. “But if they are deciding to still entertain themselves by going out, take frequent breaks from the heat by spending time in the shaded areas. Or if they’re near a public facility… maybe to take some time in there to cool down before going and joining further activities.”
Genio says frequent breaks to cool down are necessary for individuals both enjoying leisure activities and those who work outdoors, as it helps prevent heat exhaustion and heat stroke. He also urges individuals to monitor each other for signs of heat-related concerns, especially those most susceptible.
“Some of the things definitely to monitor for are body temperature, lack of sweat, if people seem to be a little bit confused or disoriented or, on a more severe side, are fainting and unconsciousness,” said Genio. “It’s just about monitoring each other and taking care of each other out there, especially for young children or the elderly, who are a little bit more susceptible to the heat.”
As well, Genio recommends Albertans take precautions like dressing for the sun and heat by wearing hats and sunglasses, applying sunscreen regularly throughout the day, wearing waterproof sunscreen if swimming and staying hydrated.
“We always like to tell (people) to drink plenty of water,” he said. “And it’s best to stay away from caffeinated beverages because they decrease hydration.”
Alberta Health Services also promotes hydration, but reminds Albertans to only drink from clean water sources. In a statement released last week AHS urged individuals spending time outdoors to avoid consuming water from streams, rivers, lakes, or any other source not guaranteed to be clean, as bacteria, viruses and parasites found in unclean water can pose health risks.
AHS also reminded Albertans to ensure they keep food cold (four degrees Celsius or below) to prevent food-born illnesses.
Humans aren’t the only ones affected by the heat; animals can also struggle with high temperatures, which is why Medicine Hat’s Alberta Pound and Rescue Centre advises pet owners to apply many of the same extreme heat practises designed for humans to pets.
“Dogs, if outside in temperatures warmer then 25 degrees Celsius, can get heat stroke,” APARC said. “Keeping them in cool, shady spots with lots of water can help to prevent (such).
“Cats can overheat as well, (so) keeping them inside either your home or in a closed-off deck where they can go in and out of the air conditioning, allows them to regulate the body temperature better.”
APARC also recommends owners reduce their pets’ contact with concrete, asphalt and other surfaces which retain heat during times of high-heat, as contact can lead to burnt paws.
