File photo of the river bottom in Lethbridge (Lethbridge News Now)

By Justin Goulet

Lethbridge bracing for another week of hotter temperatures

Jul 15, 2021 | 7:42 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The City of Lethbridge is offering up more tips on how to stay cool.

The forecast for the foreseeable future is calling for temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius in Lethbridge. The city notes that heat waves can cause an increase in heat-related illness, enhanced drought conditions and can cause “significant long-term draw on power”.

A release from the City of Lethbridge reads, “residents are encouraged to be mindful of the use of electrical appliances and keep air-conditioning units at a moderate temperature to help prevent overloading the power grid.”

Tips from the city to stay cool during the hotter days include:

• Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water;
• Take plenty of breaks if outside, and wear light, loose clothing;
• Avoid peak outdoor heat hours, between noon-2:00 p.m.;
• Turn off unnecessary electronic devices;
• Be aware of dry conditions and increased fire risk. There is still a fire ban in place in the river bottom, with open fires being prohibited at this time;
• Residents are reminded to be cautious if smoking in the river valley and dispose of smoking materials properly or avoid smoking in the area all together.

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The City of Lethbridge and the Lethbridge Helping Organizations Coalition – made up of local social service groups – have been proactive in setting up supports for vulnerable members of the community during the days of extreme temperatures. Some steps taken include:

• The Park ‘n’ Ride Transit Terminal is available with air conditioning and washrooms from Mon. – Fri, 6 a.m. to midnight, Saturday 7 a.m. – midnight & Sunday 8 a.m.-7 p.m.;
• The Main and Crossings branches of the Lethbridge Library are able to offer some reprieve from the heat for those who need it. Access is available to water fountains, washrooms and air conditioning;
• Galt Gardens spray park & washrooms will be open until 10 p.m.;
• Gyro spray park & washrooms will be open until 9 p.m.;
• The Animal Shelter is making space available for the pets of vulnerable people who need protection from the extreme heat over the next week;
• Streets Alive Mission, Lethbridge Food Bank, My City Care, Sage Clan, Food Share and the Interfaith Food Bank have approximately 40,000 water bottles stored;
• Community outreach organizations have been informed and will be delivering water to vulnerable individuals;
• Water has been delivered to the Lethbridge Shelter and Resource Centre and the Overdose Prevention Site Mobile Unit;
• Any individual in need can come to either food bank or Streets Alive to pick up water.

In Alberta, a heat warning is issued when two or more consecutive days of daytime maximum temperatures are expected to reach 32 degrees Celsius or higher, and nighttime temperatures are expected to be 16 degrees Celsius or warmer. The City of Lethbridge Emergency Coordination Centre is preparing for the hotter conditions, and the city notes that the Emergency Social Service team will be on standby to respond if needed.