Hot tips to beat the heat this summer

As we head into the hot months of July and August, the City of Lethbridge is sharing tips to help residents beat the heat and stay safe.

Heat waves cause an increase in heat-related illness, enhance drought conditions and can cause a significant long-term draw on power. Residents are encouraged to be mindful of the use of electric appliances and keep air-conditioning units at a moderate temperature to help prevent overloading the power grid.

Ways to ensure residents are staying cool and safe during the expected high temperatures include:

• Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water. We have four drinking water stations hooked up directly to water hydrants which allows easy access to water 24/7. They are located at Nicholas Sheran Park (near the pathway just south of the elementary school), Legacy Park (immediately north of the spray park), Henderson Lake Park (near the Nikka Yuko parking lot) and in Galt Gardens (directly in front of the SAAG building on 3 Avenue)
• Take plenty of breaks if outside and wear light, loose clothing
• Avoid peak outdoor heat hours, between noon - 2 p.m.
• Turn off unnecessary electronic devices
• Residents are reminded to be cautious if smoking in the river valley and dispose of butts properly or avoid smoking in the area all together

Residents are also reminded the vulnerable members of our community are likely most at-risk during extreme temperatures without access to shelter. The following are a list of local service organizations that are available to help during an extreme weather declaration:

• Lethbridge Stabilization Centre and Shelter
• Wood’s Homes Youth Connections
• YWCA Harbour House
• Sik-Ooh-Kotoki Friendship Society
• Streets Alive Mission
• Lethbridge Public Library Main Branch
• Lethbridge Soup Kitchen
• SAGE Clan

In addition to these locations, many local service organizations have been preparing for the warmer weather with collecting water bottles for distribution to those who need it.

A heat warning is issued in Alberta when two or more consecutive days of daytime maximum temperatures are expected to reach 32 degrees Celsius or warmer and nighttime temperatures are expected to be 16 degrees Celsius or warmer.