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The City of Lethbridge has activated its level two Extreme Temperature Response Protocol on June 29, 2023, after Environment Canada issued a heat warning. (PHOTO: LNN)

City of Lethbridge activates Extreme Temperature Protocol in response to heat warning

Jun 29, 2023 | 12:34 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Following the heat warning issued by Environment Canada at 4:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 29, 2023, the City of Lethbridge has activated its Extreme Temperature Response Protocol.

In Alberta, a heat warning is issued when temperatures above 32 degrees are sustained for more than two days, and nighttime temperatures do not drop below 16 degrees.

READ MORE: Heat warning issued for most of southern Alberta

With heat anticipated to linger into Saturday in Lethbridge, the city is encouraging people to take precautions to avoid heat-related illness, limit their time outdoors, stay hydrated and be mindful of the use of air conditioning to prevent an overload of the power grid.

Luke Palmer, Emergency Planning and Risk Supervisor with the City of Lethbridge, said that plans are already in motion to activate level two of the Extreme Temperature Response Protocol.

“If we saw a level one, it means that we would see something in the coming days, which obviously we jumped that,” laughed Palmer. “Level three would be implemented by Environment Climate Change Canada in the event we had an extended heat warning, so that’s pro-longed lengths, maybe up to a week with other health factors included including air quality, draw on the power grid and other factors.”

As for resources available in level two of the activation plan, comfort centers are open to the public during normal operating hours such as city facilities like libraries, Park N’ Ride locations and the Park Place Shopping Centre.

“In addition to that, we will be promoting information for everybody to be aware of the risks,” said Palmer. “We know that it’s important that people avoid peak times outside between 10:00 a.m. and noon, but it’s also really important to understand that your indoor temperature will peak far later than the outdoor temperature.”

Palmer went on to encourage residents to close their windows during the day with the blinds shut to keep the heat outside of the house before opening them again in the evening.

Vulnerable populations in Lethbridge are also being made aware of heat risks with community partners like the Sage Clan and Streets Alive Mission letting individuals know that there are several supports available during extreme weather declarations.

Warning signs of heat-related illness include dehydration, dizziness, cold sweats, drowsiness, confusion and loss of consciousness.

Palmer continued, “It’s really important to look after yourself during the heat just because it does impact you very drastically and quite quickly. It could be about 20 minutes of outside exposure without any hydration or covering on your skin and you could start experiencing those symptoms.”

With Canada Day being celebrated in Galt Gardens and Henderson Lake Park this weekend during the heat warning, Palmer recommended adequate planning before heading out of the house.

Bringing food, water and shade are steps that can be taken to prevent heat stoke, but the city also indicated that water stations will be available for guests at both festivities along with first aid stations.

READ MORE: City of Lethbridge unveils 2023 Canada Day plans

During the heat warning, people are also encouraged to build an emergency kit in the event an overload of the power grid causes a loss of power.

While city officials are not worried about over usage of power at this time, they indicated they are working with the Alberta Energy Regulator to inform the public if a grid surge becomes a concern.

More information on the Extreme Temperature Response Protocol and tips to stay cool during the heat warning can be found on the City of Lethbridge website.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now.

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