Saskatoon activates emergency response plan as heat wave continues

CBC
·2 min read
Temperatures soared over 30 C in Saskatoon Thursday. The city has activated its extreme heat emergency response plan. (CBC News - image credit)
Temperatures soared over 30 C in Saskatoon Thursday. The city has activated its extreme heat emergency response plan. (CBC News - image credit)

A heat wave continues to swelter across much of Saskatchewan on Thursday.

Saskatoon is one of many areas with heat warnings in effect. In response, the city has activated Level 2 of its extreme heat emergency response plan. The response includes cooling locations, wellness checks, outreach services and water distribution.

"Stay out of the heat if you can, stay out of the sun, drink a lot of water, check on family members, neighbours and your friends," Brandon Bishop, emergency management co-ordinator for the City of Saskatoon, said.

This is the second time the plan has been triggered this year, with the first being last week from Monday to Thursday. Bishop said the current emergency plan is expected to run from July 18 to July 23.

The plan is meant to support Saskatoon people, especially vulnerable populations.

"Be respectful to our homeless population and our inadequately housed. They're trying. They're in a tough spot right now. So we're trying to help them out the best we can," Bishop said.

Brandon Bishop the Emergency Management Coordinator for the City of Saskatoon said people should avoid the heat, stay hydrated, help vulnerable people and keep their pets cool.
Brandon Bishop the Emergency Management Coordinator for the City of Saskatoon said people should avoid the heat, stay hydrated, help vulnerable people and keep their pets cool.

Brandon Bishop, emergency management co-ordinator for the City of Saskatoon, says people should avoid the heat, stay hydrated, help vulnerable people and keep their pets cool. (CBC News)

Cooling spots include The Bridge on 20th Street, Westside Community Clinic, and Crocus Co-op. Those three locations also have misting tents. More locations are available on the city website.

The criteria for a Level 2 response plan are daytime temperatures above 30 C and nighttime temperatures above 16 C for three to seven days.

Marcie Urban, who was at a cooling station Thursday, said she was grateful for the city's help and for the wind that was blowing at the time.

"I'm thanking God for the breeze. I came from inside [a cooling location]. It's beautiful in there, I've been spending a lot of time under the [misting tent]," she said.

Extreme heat can cause heat exhaustion, heat stroke and potentially death, the city said in a news release. It is especially dangerous for those without air conditioning and older adults with pre-existing health conditions.

Saskatoon Transit offers a safe bus program designed to help anyone who needs immediate shelter or to contact emergency services. Anyone who needs help can flag down a bus or find a parked bus to ask for help.

Pets are also at risk, the city said. Ensure they have plenty of fresh water, don't leave them in parked cars, and offer a wadding pool or damp towel to help them cool off if necessary.

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