Edmontonians are about to roast in the hot weather..Therefore, the city activated its extreme weather response to keep vulnerable people safe during the hot weather which is forecast for this weekend..The city activated its extreme weather response after consultation with partners in the Sector Emergency Response, a collaboration between the city, Homeward Trust and more than 25 other agencies working together to ensure Edmonton’s most vulnerable people are safe during adverse weather conditions. Environment Canada’s weather forecast was also taken into consideration.."The activation went into effect at 8 a.m. this morning and will end at 8 a.m. Monday, August 22, with flexibility to extend if the forecast changes," the city stated.."During a response to extreme heat in Edmonton, helping people avoid dehydration is increasingly important. Providing access to drinking water and cool places for respite are keys to the city’s extreme weather response.".The activation includes; peace officers will carry water bottles for distribution to vulnerable people that they meet. Anyone needing a break from the heat may go to an open city facility or library..The following spaces plan to offer access and bottled water:.Kinsmen Sports CentreCommonwealth Community Recreation CentreClareview Community Recreation CentreTerwillegar Community Recreation CentreThe Meadows Community Recreation CentreLondonderry Fitness and Leisure CentreThe Orange HubMill Woods Recreation Centre.The city stated some facilities do not have enough indoor space to accommodate people inside, but still planned to provide bottled water..These include:.Fred Broadstock poolQueen Elizabeth outdoor poolOliver outdoor poolBorden Natural Swimming PoolBonnie Doon Leisure CentreJasper Place Leisure CentreMuttart ConservatoryEdmonton Valley Zoo.According to the city, 15 fire hydrants have been modified as water bottle filling stations..Edmontonians needing water can go to one of the water bottle filling stations at the following locations:.Downtown.Central McDougall and Queen Mary Park (109 Ave and 107 St).Kinistinaw Park (102 Ave and 96 St)Boyle Street Community Services (105 Ave and 102 St)Bissell Centre (96 St and 105 Ave)Sheriff Robertson Park (82 Street and 112 Ave)Paul Kane park area (103 Ave and between 122 & 123 St).West.Butler ParkCallingwood parkSouthMcIntyre Park/Old Strathcona Farmers MarketMillwoods Transit Station.North/Northeast.Parkdale Plaza (118 Ave and 82 St)Clareview Transit StationMosaic Centre (65 St and 132 Ave)Niginan Housing Ventures (12340 Fort Road)Beverly Heights ( 118 Ave between 43 & 44 St).There are an additional 24 water bottle filling stations throughout LRT and Transit Centres that Edmontonians can use..On Friday, Environment Canada also issued a extreme heat warning at 9 a.m. for Edmonton..The daily high temperature will peak near 30C and will continue, Environment Canada added..On Friday, it will remain mainly sunny, wind becoming southeast 20 km/h gusting to 40. the high temperature will peak at 32C with a humidex of 34. Edmonton will have a high UV index during this time..However, Edmontonians will beat the heat as a cooling trend will occur for some areas over the weekend, with temperatures returning to the mid- to high-20Cs next week..According to Environment Canada, residents of and visitors in the warned regions are advised to take the following precautions to protect themselves, their families and their neighbours:.Consider rescheduling outdoor activities to cooler hours of the day.Take frequent breaks from the heat, spending time in cooled indoor spaces where possible.Drink plenty of water and other non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated beverages to stay hydrated.Check for your children or pets before you exit your vehicle. Do not leave any person or pet inside a closed vehicle, for any length of time.."Monitor for symptoms of heat stroke or heat exhaustion, such as high body temperature, lack of sweat, confusion, fainting, and unconsciousness," Environment Canada stated.."Pay particular attention to individuals that can experience earlier or more severe effects from heat including infants, children, seniors, and individuals with pre-existing lung, heart, kidney, nervous system, mental health or diabetic conditions, outdoor workers, as well as those who are socially isolated.".Heat warnings are issued when very high temperature conditions are expected to pose an elevated risk of heat illnesses, such as heat stroke or heat exhaustion..Stay cool Edmonton. The Western Standard would like to see how you are beating the heat. Let us know in the comment section.
