Calgarians find ways to stay cool ahead of expected heat wave
In a few days, Friday’s temperature is going to feel like a relief as a strong heat wave is expected to sweep through Alberta pushing temperatures above 35 degrees for multiple days.
Eight-year-old Aria Marsollier is staying cool by going rafting with her father at Sandy Park Beach in the city’s south west.
“If I get really hot I can get out of the raft and I can cool down,” she said.
"If I get too cold I can get back in the raft.”
Her father also has a few other tips to stay cool when the mercury rises.
“A nice cool basement, going for walks or bikes in the evening and we also discovered if you fill a humidifier with ice cubes it’s delightful.”
Over at The Giving Garden, a charity garden that helps feed vulnerable people in Calgary, Dawna Britnell is trying to save the veggies in the ground by spreading mulch over top of the roots.
She said the heat wave is a concern.
“We have a lot of raised beds," she said. "It's really hard for water retention obviously and we have a lot of issues up here as it is a very hostile environment so protecting our veggies from the heat, especially the roots right now is going to be extremely important for conserving water and making sure that they don't die before we are able to get them produced and out to market.”
EXTRA FOUNTAINS
The city said Thursday it will be adding extra fountains and water stations to prepare for the heat wave. Spray parks and pools will also open up and people are reminded to exercise COVID-19 health and safety protocols.
Helene Hamilton, acting public education officer with Alberta Health Services EMS, said it's important to be cautious to avoid heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
Some of the tips she provided include drinking plenty of water, wearing a hat, sun screen and taking breaks to find shade and air conditioning.
Hamilton said while seniors and children are more susceptible to heat emergencies, young and healthy people can also be impacted therefore it’s important to notice signs before it get serious.
“Heat exhaustion is where you’re feeling a little lethargic, kind of run down, you have a headache and feeling a little sick to your stomach,” said Hamilton.
If you feel these symptoms, that’s a good indication it’s time for you to stop whatever you’re doing and seek out some shade or cooler environment and get hydrated again.”
Hamilton said if heat exhaustion gets serious, a person’s body could stop sweating and shut down and they could start to get disoriented and confused. If this happens, it’s time to call 911.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
Shivering for health: The myths and truths of ice baths explained
In a climate of social media-endorsed wellness rituals, plunging into cold water has promised to aid muscle recovery, enhance mental health and support immune system function. But the evidence of such benefits sits on thin ice, according to researchers.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
'It was joy': Trapped B.C. orca calf eats seal meat, putting rescue on hold
A rescue operation for an orca calf trapped in a remote tidal lagoon off Vancouver Island has been put on hold after it started eating seal meat thrown in the water for what is believed to be the first time.
Manitoba mom praises quick-thinking fire department for freeing daughter stuck in playground equipment
A Manitoba mother is praising firefighters for their quick work in helping her daughter who got stuck at a playground in Lorette, Man.