Hatters cool off at Hill Pool Monday afternoon (photo by Ross Lavigne)

By Charles Lefebvre

Heat safety

Residents reminded to be cautious as temperatures rise

Jul 15, 2019 | 5:03 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — Alberta Health Services is reminding residents that they need to be cautious of heat illnesses as the temperature continues to rise.

While Medicine Hat and area are not currently under a heat advisory, Dr. Lena Derie-Gillespie, the medical officer of health for the South Zone, says people respond differently to different temperatures, and they could be at risk for illnesses such as sunstroke or heatstroke

“I think by focusing on a specific temperature cutoff, you lose some of that need to think about yourself and the people who might be most high at risk, like elderly folk, people who work outside who can’t get breaks adequately, and particularly children who might not be good at regulating their own activities or behaviour,” she said.

Derie-Gillespie says residents needs to plan ahead if you’re going to be outside for any length of time.

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“Making sure you’re covered as covered up as you can, with light, breathable clothes, but clothes that are going to protect you from the sun,” she said. “(Wear) a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, you want to have it, you want to apply it often, and you always want to have water with you.”

It isn’t just outside you have to worry about. Without proper cooling and ventilation in your home, heat illnesses can impact you there.

Derie-Gillespie says you should make efforts to do what you can to manage the heat in your home, such as buying fans. She adds you can also consider giving yourself a break and going to a place in public with air conditioning, such as the mall or the library.

Redcliff Home Hardware says sales of fans and air conditioners remain on par with last year, noting there were cooler temperatures at the start of the spring.

However, with a high of 30 degrees Celsius this past Sunday, and hot weather in the forecast, owner/manager Rob Claats says they’re expecting more sales in the coming days.

“We have found over the years that once we have three hot days in a row, people can no longer sleep, and that’s when they buy the air conditioners, they start buying the air conditioners, so we’re there right now,” he said.

The sun pokes through a tree in Medicine Hat Monday afternoon. Residents should find a cool spot in the shade if they begin feeling dizzy or confused in the heat

If you’re feeling weak and dizzy while out in the heat, or see someone looking or acting confused, you need to take immediate action, because it could be heat stroke.

AHS says you need to move out of the sun, sit in the shade, put a cool towel over your head to cool off and seek immediate medical care.

“We want people outside, we want people active, we always do, but some simple steps can save you from having some negative impacts on this,” said Derie-Gillespie. “As always, I like to make my messaging, look out for each other, look out for our friends, look out for our families.”