A historic and potentially dangerous heat wave has gripped most of Alberta – with Airdrie included in the widespread heat warning recently issued by Environment Canada.
According to The Weather Network, the forecast for the city has base temperatures in the high-20s C and low-to-mid 30s C through to early next week, with most days feeling well above 30 C. The alert noted there will be little reprieve from the heat as the sun goes down, with overnight lows remaining between 15 and 25 C.
Alberta Health Services (AHS) has provided the public with advice to ensure people stay safe during periods of prolonged, extreme temperatures. AHS reminds residents to apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to your skin at least 20 minutes before going outside and to remember to reapply frequently. The health authority also encourages people to wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays, along with light-coloured long-sleeve shirts and pants that cover the skin.
"Drink lots of water and other non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated beverages to stay hydrated," AHS stated.
Other measures people should take to stay safe and prevent heat-related illnesses, such as heat stroke, include saving outdoor activities for cooler hours of the day and taking frequent breaks from the heat by spending time indoors.
According to Enmax, the hot temperatures will likely impact people's energy bills. The Enmax website states, "it used to be more common for electricity consumption to peak in winter, but increasingly, the trend is toward summer peaks as we depend more on air conditioners and fans to help us stay comfortable."
With that, the company is providing some tips for consumers to save energy during the heat wave. One example is to take advantage of the dry summer air by letting your dishes air dry rather than using the function on your dishwasher, which can actually heat up your home.
"Air drying can also cut your dishwasher energy use anywhere from 15 to 50 per cent," the Enmax site stated.
Enmax also suggests hanging laundry on a drying rack or clothesline to save on electricity costs and reduce heat circulation in the home. Meanwhile, unplugging electronics that are not in use can eliminate the consumption of standby power, which the company says can contribute five to 10 per cent of a home's electricity use.
Anyone using a fan to keep cool should put it near a window exposed to some shade as a way to direct hot air out and pull cool air in, according to Enmax. To work with the fan to keep things cool, a good practice is to close blinds and drapes on windows that face the sun directly, which will help to minimize radiant heat, thereby decreasing your use of fans and air conditioners
Setting your refrigerator between two and three degrees Celsius and your freezer to -18 degrees Celsius will ensure that it's contents are kept chilled or frozen, but the machine itself isn't gobbling up any extra power.
Health officials remind residents that it is imperative no person or pet is left inside a closed vehicle, as temperatures will magnify drastically.
And, after a day in the sun, it is important to watch for signs of heat stroke. Symptoms include a high body temperature, lack of sweat, disorientation, fainting and unconsciousness.
