A pop up spray park was a hit with local children in the Battlefords as temperatures remain sky high. (Josh Ryan/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By battlefordsNOW Staff

Beating the heat

Residents try to cool off amidst heat wave

Jun 30, 2021 | 5:11 PM

Western Canada remains scorching hot, with heat warnings in almost every region, which has the Battlefords working to make sure everyone stays as cool and hydrated as possible.

The city utilized fire department equipment and personnel to provide a pop up spray park for families, as temperatures continue to stay well above 30 Celsius. More than a dozen children were on site at 2:00 p.m. this afternoon when the unit started spraying water at Connaught Elementary School.

Local mom Kristin Louko said she heard about the event on social media and was quick to bring everyone out.

“It’s been so hot out, so I took all my kids and here we are,” she said. “It’s been fun, super fun.”

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This decision from the city came amidst a heat warning that has been in place since last week. Louko said this has been one of the longest stretches she can remember with temperatures consistently above seasonal averages and limited precipitation.

“I don’t think we’ve had this kind of weather in early July for the last five years,” she said. “It’s been a while since it’s been this hot, because my tomatoes and cucumbers have not done well.”

Louko added that the effort is appreciated. Local and provincial authorities have been putting out resources to help residents avoid the heat.

Especially with people who don’t have the opportunity to cool off in an air conditioned house,” Louko said.

(Josh Ryan/battlefordsNOW Staff)

Extreme heat warning in effect

Authorities are continuing to advise the public to take precautions this week. In a release, the Saskatchewan Health Authority stressed the importance of avoiding heat-related ailments.

“As temperatures rise, you need to take extra care to keep as cool as possible in order to prevent any heat-related illness,” said Saskatchewan Health Authority Medical Health Officer Dr. Moliehi Khaketla. “It is particularly important for babies, young children, the elderly and anyone who is ill or has chronic health conditions like breathing problems, mental illness, and heart problems to stay out of the heat.”

In the Battlefords, the daily high’s for Thursday and Saturday are forecasted to reach 36 C and 28 C. Seasonal temperatures and a strong chance of rain are expected to be in effect by Monday.

Earlier this week, the City of North Battleford released a list of symptoms to watch out for; which include dizziness, unusually rapid breathing and extreme thirst, and advises to take precautions for avoiding any heat-related illnesses. Some of the steps listed are reaching a cooling site at the Kinsmen Spray Park, Centennial Spray Park and Senator Herb Sparrow Spray Park, which are open 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Alternative sites like the CUplex Aquatic Centre and the Field House are also available, which remain open during regular summer hours at regular admission.

Fire Chief Lindsay Holm said residents should keep tabs on friends and neighbours who might be at an elevated risk during the heatwave.

“It is important that people keep hydrated and modify their activities, especially if they know they are at increased risk because of high temperatures,” he said.

Some preventative measures include drinking cool liquids prior to feeling thirsty, avoiding alcoholic and caffeinated beverages, wear loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing and rescheduling activities to color hours of the day. Pet owners can protect their animals by making sure fresh water is available, providing shelter, not leaving them in vehicles and other measures.

Anyone who is with someone who develops heatstroke, or becomes unconscious or confused, should dial 911 immediately and cool the person by moving them out of the heat while waiting for help. Holm said 911 operators will dispatch help as swiftly as possible.

“[We’re] thankful for residents checking in and caring for others who are at elevated risk of heat exposure,” he said.

For advice on health risks, symptoms and precautions associated with heat, residents can call Saskatchewan HealthLine at 811 and stay up to date with emergency alerts with SaskAlert. Other resources can be found on the city’s release.

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cjnbnews@pattisonmedia.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW