OLDS — Lots of area residents were sweltering as a result of last week's heat wave, but it didn't force them to the hospital, according to Alberta Health Services (AHS).
“Olds Hospital and Care Centre has not seen an increase in people being admitted. Presently, no one is admitted with heat-related illness,” Yolanda Genu, a senior advisor for the AHS central zone’s community engagement and communications department wrote in an email last week.
Environment Canada issued a heat warning for much of the province over several days with temperatures in this region hitting the mid-30 degrees.
The Sundre area hit its highest temperature of the heat wave on June 30, when it reached 35.1 C, as recorded at the Sundre airport. Further northeast at the Red Deer Regional Airport in Springbrook, temperatures hit a high of 34.5 C on June 30.
In its warning, Environment Canada noted it was "a prolonged, dangerous and historic heat wave."
Genu did have some advice for residents to help them survive the heat wave.
“With temperatures expected to reach well above 30 degrees throughout the week, residents are asked to take precautions by taking breaks from the heat,” Genu wrote.
Suggestions include scheduling outdoor activities to cooler hours of the days, spending time indoors, staying hydrated, avoiding direct sun at the hottest times of day, seeking shade when possible and wearing cool lightweight clothing.
“Residents are also reminded not to leave any person or pets inside a closed vehicle for any amount of time. Other tips include frequent sunscreen use, and a wide brimmed hat and sunglasses," the email said.
More heat health advice can be found via this link: Heat Warning Information | Alberta Health Services.
