Wetaskiwin is no stranger to hot summer weather, but when higher-than-normal spells arrive, it's important to know how to care for yourself, your loved ones and your neighbours, what to watch out for, and what to do if the heat suddenly becomes too much.
On top of potential issues such as wildfires, health impacts from extreme heat can range from dehydration to heat stroke, which can lead to death if left untreated.
When temperatures climb, those especially susceptible to high temperatures include: older adults; infants and young children; pregnant women; people with pre-existing medical and mental health conditions (some medications also increase risk of heat illness); outdoor workers; people with reduced mobility; those living alone or who are socially isolated; people in high-density housing with no indoor cooling; and people experiencing homelessness, or who are marginally housed.
Knowing how heat affects you is the first step; next is taking precautions to reduce your risk, the Alberta government notes.
- Plan ahead – Make sure you have the supplies and support you need to stay safe, which means cool, hydrated and informed. Since we know the heat will come eventually, it pays to prepare before it arrives – why try to track down a fan or AC unit when it's already 38 C?
- Check in – Touch base with neighbours, friends and older family members, especially those who are ill, socially isolated, or have other challenges, to ensure they're cool and hydrated. If you have air conditioning, consider offering them a place to stay.
- Stay vigilant – Heat-induced health concerns can emerge quickly. Signs of heat exhaustion include: rapid breathing and heartbeat; headache; dizziness or fainting; nausea or vomiting; extreme thirst; heavy sweating; muscle cramps; skin rash; and dark urine and decreased urination. Beyond heat exhaustion, heat stroke is a medical emergency. Call 9-1-1 if you notice: dizziness, fainting or unconsciousness; confusion and lack of coordination; strong, rapid pulse; extremely high body temperature (above 39.4 C); nausea; lack of sweat; and very hot, red skin.
After calling 9-1-1 if someone shows signs of heatstroke, move them to a cool place out of the sun, remove outer clothing and shoes, and wrap in a wet towel or cloth, but do not give fluids.
Of course, people aren't the only ones susceptible to heat. Ensure pets have access to water and shade and never leave an animal in a vehicle. As the Alberta SPCA notes, "vehicles become very warm inside, even on mild days. On hot days, the temperature inside a car climbs to above 40 C in just a few minutes. And since dogs cannot sweat, they can suffer heat stroke very quickly."
Try to walk on grass to protect their paws, and during the cooler part of the day to minimize heat-related issues. For more tips, visit albertaspca.org
Stay cool!
While we can't change the weather, we can decide what we do when it arrives. If you're looking for ways to beat the heat this summer, stay cool inside at the Manluk Centre, where the temperature is always right and the pool is the perfect escape! Check out the summer schedule here.