Troy Davies with Medavie Health Services West says their paramedics saw a definite uptick in heat related calls on the weekend and they expect the trend to continue with a heatwave blanketing western Canada including Saskatchewan.
Davies says some of the early signs of heat exhaustion include red skin, profuse sweating, loss of appetite, “We know you’re supposed to drink plenty of fluids, but sometimes it just takes the reminder that, to ensure, that your kids are actually doing that and especially for seniors who are especially susceptible to other underlying medical illnesses that might be becoming more exaggerated when you get this kind of heat and they can’t battle the amount of heat they’re dealing with.”
Davies also suggests you treat the heat like you do snow shoveling in the winter by taking breaks every 20 minutes to rehydrate and be in the shade.
Saskatoon’s Emergency Management Organization has activated the city’s Heat Response Strategy which includes a variety of community partners who help support individuals and families experiencing homelessness in extreme heat. They encourage those who need relief from the heat to seek out a cool down location.
River Safety
Although the South Saskatchewan River may provide a tempting option to cool down on hot days, EMO reminds residents that the river is unpredictable and swimming in the river is prohibited in city limits. The river has many hazards including changing currents and an unstable bottom.
Pet Wellness
Ensuring your pet has plenty of fresh water to drink
Monitoring your pet for signs of heat stress such as rapid panting
Never leaving pets in parked cars for any amount of time
Offering your pet a means to cool down such as a wading pool or damp towel
For more information on how to keep your pet safe this summer, contact the SPCA or your local veterinarian.
Working Safe
Drink extra water
Increase breaks out of the sun
Modify work duties to prevent heat illness
For safety tips and guidelines for employees working in hot conditions, visit the Government of Saskatchewan’s Working Outdoors page.
Transit Safe Bus Program
As always, Saskatoon Transit offers the Safe Bus Program designed to assist anyone, of any age, that needs immediate shelter or needs to contact emergency services. If you need help, simply and safely flag down a bus or go to a parked bus. Transit operators can contact emergency services directly through the on-bus radio system and will give the person in need a safe place to wait.
Smart Yard and Garden Watering
During heat waves, there is increased water usage. The City encourages residents to be water wise by watering your lawn and trees early in the morning and skip windy days to minimize evaporation. Smart watering helps the environment and can save you money during hot summer months. Follow these quick lawn care tips to be more efficient with your water and learn more ways to be water wise.
In an emergency, call 911 immediately.
