With a stretch of extreme heat expected to intensify and last in Saskatchewan through at least Friday, multiple agencies say it’s important for people to stay hydrated and cool — but there are other tips to keep in mind, as well.
In Regina and Saskatoon, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) is forecasting daytime highs of 35 C and higher, with overnight temperatures remaining around 20 C.
In these conditions, people need to keep an eye out for symptoms of adverse health effects, ECCC meteorologist Danielle Desjardins told Saskatoon Morning host Candice Lipski.
“When we do see these temperatures climb into the 30s, and especially when the humidity is high as well, we want to be looking for signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke,” Desjardins said.
The national weather office says signs of a heat-related illness may include intense fatigue, dizziness, thirst and dark urine.
If that happens, stop what you are doing and drink water. Better yet, it says you should drink water often, before you feel thirsty.
“If you’ve got a headache, if you’re feeling lethargic, if you’re feeling nauseous, you’re just not feeling right and you’ve been outside or your home hasn’t cooled, that’s where we really want you to take steps to cool your body,” Pamela Goulden McLeod, the director of Saskatoon’s emergency management organization, told Saskatoon Morning.
People should also be checking in on older adults or people with health conditions who might not have relief from the heat, she said.
The City of Saskatoon notes that extreme heat can be especially dangerous for people with pre-existing health conditions when indoor temperatures are above 26 C for an extended period of time and it doesn’t cool down overnight.
No air conditioning?
If you don’t have air conditioning and your home is hot, the city suggests some strategies, including:
Go to air-conditioned public spaces, shaded areas or splash parks.Take a cool shower or bath.Wear wet or damp cloth, or apply damp towels to your skin.Make a supply of ice.Stock up on supplies to keep you comfortable during the heat, such as ice trays, a spray bottle and small towels.Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun.Buy thermal curtains that reflect heat.Open windows overnight or whenever there is a cool breeze.
The city also says to consider sleeping in the coolest place in your home. If you can’t cool your entire home, focus on cooling one smaller area and sleep there.
Don’t assume a fan will cool your home. Fans create air flow and a false sense of comfort, but do not reduce body temperature or prevent heat-related illnesses, the city says.
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Beat the heat without AC by following these cool house tips.
Even if your home has air conditioning, there can still be problems.
Michael Shaw, the leader of operations at Centennial Plumbing, Heating and Electrical in Saskatoon, said the company had received 100 service calls by mid-afternoon Wednesday, more than twice the normal daily call volume.
Shaw said there are a few things people can do themselves before calling a technician.
“The first thing we always tell people to do is to check your breakers. Check to make sure your thermostat is actually operating, because the system needs to have a call for cooling for it to work,” he said.
Another problem a homeowner can fix is a furnace filter that hasn’t been changed, he said.
“That’s really a common one — that the furnace filter hasn’t been changed and it’s restricting air flow.”
He said people should also check their condensing unit outside to make sure it’s clear of debris.
Hitting the road in extreme heat
CAA Saskatchewan spokesperson Angel Blair said any motorists travelling in this heat should have a charged phone, a phone charger, water, snacks and an emergency kit in case they run into delays from construction zones or get into an accident.
Blair said a full tank of gas and ensuring your vehicle’s battery and air conditioning are in good operating condition “might save you big headaches down the road.”
She said CAA’s biggest tip is to pay attention to the road and your surroundings. Calls to the agency often go up during a heat wave, she said.
“So we see that increase in calls for vehicle unlocks. People are rushing to get through the heat, things like that. Mistakes happen,” she said. “Sometimes you lock your vehicle and your keys are in it. Sometimes you lose your keys.”
Other dangers
Damandeep Sangha, a public education officer with the Moose Jaw fire department, said people should avoid driving over grass in this heat, or even mowing a lawn, in case a spark leads to a fire.
“At the same time, be mindful of fire safety because these hot and windy conditions, they can increase fire danger,” Sangha said.
Certain items, such as electronics, batteries, hand sanitizer, sunscreen and medication, are vulnerable to overheating in a hot vehicle, and some of them can pose a fire risk, he said.
It’s also dangerous to leave children or pets inside a vehicle in this heat, even for a few minutes.
Extreme heat also poses a risk to pets. The City of Saskatoon recommends leaving out plenty of fresh water, watching your pet for signs of heat stress, such as rapid panting, and offering a way to cool down, such as a wading pool or damp towel.