With temperatures in Lethbridge forecast to climb steadily into the 30s over the next week, city officials are preparing to respond to some of the challenges that may come with prolonged heat.
According to the city, a heat advisory is issued in Alberta when daytime highs exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit and nighttime lows stay above 60 degrees Fahrenheit for two or more consecutive days.
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The City of Lethbridge has extreme temperature response protocols on-the-spot for extreme heat and cold, issued when the temperature or wind chill is expected to reach minus 40 degrees Celsius for at least two hours.
“With emergency management, we have an all-hazards response team, and pretty much what we do is work with all the stakeholders, that is, the provincial government and other stakeholders, to keep up with the weather forecast. and try to make progress on these things. said Mike Fox, director of community services for the city.
The city posted messages on social media Monday reminding residents to be aware of the impacts prolonged heat can have, reminding people to stay hydrated and be mindful of how much time they spend in the sun, as well as asking that Everyone be aware of the use of electrical appliances to help prevent overloading the electrical grid.
Lethbridge Fire and EMS Chief Greg Adair says first responders are ready to react when calls start coming in.
“We’re always going to see some heat-related injuries, or cold-related injuries, emergencies, as we get to those extremes,” Adair said. “But our teams, working with Alberta Health Services, are ready and prepared to respond to those appropriately and quickly, should they come into play.”
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Officials say the city is also ready to support its most vulnerable population, as they are most at risk during extreme temperatures without access to shelter.
The city has listed a group of community organizations available to help during the prolonged heat:
- Alpha House Society Lethbridge Stabilization Center and Shelter
- Wood’s Homes Youth Connections
- YWCA Harbor House
- Sik-Ooh-Kotoki Friendship Society
- Living Streets Mission
- Lethbridge Public Library Main Branch
- Lethbridge Charity Kitchen
- SAGE Clan
Fox says those organizations have been collecting bottled water to distribute when needed.
“They open their doors too,” Fox said. “We have water running through the city, and people walking around and counseling the vulnerable population and checking for signs of heat stress or whatever else.”
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The city has listed the Lethbridge Transit Park N’ Ride building as one of the main air-conditioned cooling centers available, as well as the two branches of the Lethbridge Public Library, the Helen Schuler Nature Centre, Streets Alive, The Interfaith Food Bank and Lethbridge Food. Bank.
“People sometimes also go for a walk in the mall and cool off and take advantage of some places that are always open,” Fox said. “We like to extend some hours if the temperatures are high late at night, and the same with the sprinkler parks and different water services”.
The city issued a fire ban for the Lethbridge River Valley on Monday afternoon, effective immediately and until further notice. Residents are also reminded to be careful if they smoke in the river valley.
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