Temperatures in Lethbridge are forecast to rise steadily to 30 by next week, with city officials preparing to respond to some of the challenges that can come with prolonged heatwaves.
According to the city, a heat warning is issued in Alberta when daytime temperatures exceed 32 degrees Celsius and nighttime minimums remain above 16 degrees for two or more days in a row.
city of Lethbridge extreme temperature response protocol In place for both extreme heat and cold, which continues when the temperature or wind chill is expected to reach minus 40 °C for at least two hours.
“We have a thorough response team with emergency management, and everything we do is work with all stakeholders – so the provincial government and other stakeholders – to stay on the climate forecast and move forward on these things.” To try,” said Mike Fox, the city’s director of community services.
Read more: Heat warnings issued in different parts of Alberta
The city on Monday took to social media to remind residents to be aware of the effects of prolonged heat, as well as to keep people hydrated and aware of the amount of time they are spending in the sun. also asked that everyone be mindful of their use of electrical equipment to help prevent overloading of the electricity grid.
Lethbridge Fire and EMS chief Greg Adair says first responders are ready to respond when calls begin to arrive.
“We will always 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 appropriately and quickly, should they come into play.”
Officials say the city is prepared to support even its most vulnerable populations because those without access to shelter are at greater risk during extreme temperatures.
A group of community organizations available to help during the long summer have been listed by city and include:
- Alpha House Society Lethbridge Stabilization Center and Shelter
- Woods Homes Youth Connections
- YWCA Harbor House
- Sick-ooh-kotoki Friendship Society
- Streets Alive Mission
- Lethbridge Public Library Main Branch
- Lethbridge Soup Kitchen
- sage clan
Fox says those organizations are collecting bottled water to distribute when needed.
“They open their doors too,” Fox said. “We have water going around town, and people are walking around and advising vulnerable populations and checking for signs of heat stress or something.”
The city has listed the Lethbridge Transit Park n’ Ride building as one of the main, air-conditioned cooling centres, as well as Lethbridge Public Library branches, the Helen Schuller Nature Centre, Streets Alive, Interfaith Food Bank and Lethbridge Food both listed. has done. Bank.
“People sometimes go for a walk in the mall and chill out and take advantage of some of the places that are always open,” Fox said. “We like to extend a few hours if temperatures are high until late in the evening, and the same is the case with spray parks and various services for water.”
The city issued a fire ban for the river valley of Lethbridge on Monday afternoon – effective immediately and until further notice. Residents are also being reminded to be vigilant about smoking in the river valley.
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