As a heat warning remains in place for much of southern Alberta, health officials are urging caution during the hot temperatures. “Wear a hat, wear sunscreen; if you’re going outside, take something to drink with you,” said Troy Hicks, chief fire marshal with Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services. “Energy drinks and pop are not good; that’s not going to hydrate you. “You need to drink water.” According to Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), daytime high temperatures in the low to mid-30s are expected for the next three days, with overnight lows in the teens. “If you’re starting to not feel good, get out of the weather,” Hicks said. “Get out of the sun and get into the house; get into a vehicle with air conditioning.” Several businesses and organizations in the city with air conditioning are open to help people cool off, including the Lethbridge Public Library main branch, Streets Alive Mission, Lethbridge Wellness Shelter and Stabilization Unit and Lethbridge Soup Kitchen. Public water stations are available in Nicholas Sheran Park, Legacy Park, Henderson Lake Park and Galt Gardens downtown. The stations hook up to hydrants, providing a continuous water source. “When we get to these temperatures, it really is about life or death. It’s very important for people to stay hydrated,” said Danielle McIntyre, executive director of the Interfaith Food Bank. City-wide water drive The annual city-wide water drive is underway across Lethbridge. Spearheaded by the Downtown Lethbridge BRZ, the Interfaith Food Bank and Lethbridge Food Bank, the drive sees donations of bottled water collected to distribute to outreach organizations for those in need. This year’s campaign aims to collect 10,000 bottles of water. “We are really encouraging community members to step up and help us out with those donations of bottled water or money to buy that water, especially right now when we know those bottles are going to be going out the door at a fast pace,” McIntyre said. Fire bans in effect The dry and humid weather has elevated the fire risk across southern Alberta. Fire bans are now in effect for Lethbridge’s river valley, Lethbridge County and the town of Taber. “The rain that we’ve had has helped us immensely as far as wildfires are concerned, but the risk is definitely getting up there, especially with our forecast coming up in the mid-30s,” said Heath Wright, director of emergency services at Lethbridge County. “It might be green now, but it won’t be green for long.” Fire restrictions remain in place for Vulcan County, M.D. of Willow Creek, M.D. of Pincher Creek and Cypress County. The Municipality of Crowsnest Pass and the County of Forty Mile are under a fire advisory. “This fire ban reflects how serious current conditions are,” Wright said. “Dry vegetation across the region means even a small, contained fire can spread quickly with just one spark. Under the ban, all burning is prohibited until conditions improve. It’s a straightforward precaution to protect the community.” Pet safety The above-seasonal temperatures can also pose a risk to pets. “Overheating can be a problem, especially in dogs,” said Alex Jap, communications officer with the Alberta SPCA. “So, monitor them for signs of overheating—the basic things like panting or them being lethargic.” Pet owners are encouraged to walk in the morning or evening hours when temperatures are cooler. “We get a lot of calls every year about people unfortunately leaving their dogs in cars,” Jap said. “Cars can get very hot, even on a cooler day or even if they’re parked in the shade. Never ever leave your dog in a car. It can be very dangerous and potentially lethal for them.” He says if you see a dog in a parked car, call police or RCMP, as they will respond faster than the Alberta SPCA and have authority to enter the vehicle.
