Experts highlight ways to stay safe as temperatures continue to soar in Alberta

Calgarians need to brace themselves for what's coming as temperatures rise across Alberta, prompting experts to advise the public to stay safe.

Environment Canada issued a heat warning this week, stating that record temperatures may be set in the next few days with the heat wave expected to persist until July 23.

Daytime temperatures will likely be in the low 30s Celsius all week, which means it's important to exercise caution and adopt preventative measures, according to EMS public education officer Naomi Nania.

For Monday and Tuesday, health officials reported there have been eight events in the Calgary region for heat-related emergencies, though no patients have been in critical condition. 

"If you are going to go outside … you can try and limit between the hours of 10 and two, which are usually the highest UV. And if you're not able to do that, when you do go outside, just making sure that you are applying sunscreen about half an hour before you go out," she said.

Nania added that reapplying sunscreen while being outside is recommended coupled with taking regular breaks from the sun.

According to Nania, vulnerable groups, such as seniors and young kids, need to be especially careful because they're more susceptible to experiencing heat exhaustion and heat stroke, and it's crucial to keep an eye on them.

Another big one? Hydration.

"It's really important that people are hydrating throughout the day. So clear fluids, lots of water, electrolytes are really important," Nania said.

Taking precautions

General guidelines are always good to follow as well, according to the public education officer, who recommends wearing loose-fitting clothing and a wide-brimmed hat.

The City of Calgary also recommends staying hydrated, taking regular breaks from the heat, and avoiding leaving pets or kids inside unattended cars.

According to Dr. Patricia Doyle-Baker, a doctor of public health and a professor in the kinesiology faculty at the University of Calgary, it's a good idea to be smart about exercising outdoors. Plan your workouts to start before 10 a.m. or later in the evening, when there's more shade on the streets.

"You should always wear a hat when you're exercising outside, particularly in this kind of heat," Doyle-Baker said.

She added it's recommended to immediately head back indoors if you feel unwell at any point.

Heat stroke and exhaustion are very real, according to Nania, who says common symptoms of the latter include dizziness, sweating profusely and feeling unwell.

"Those are kind of the beginning stages of heat exhaustion," Nania said.

"So with that, you want to get the person out of the environment. If you have to, expose their skin a little bit so that they are trying to cool themselves down and making sure they're drinking lots of water. And we want to do that so that we can prevent what could turn into heat stroke, which is actually very serious."

Heat stroke is typically accompanied by a lack of sweat, confusion, and an elevated heart rate, among other symptoms — it can lead to unconsciousness and turn into a serious medical emergency if left unchecked.

However, with the right precautions, it's possible to stay safe and still make the most of your time outdoors.

Using smart hacks to feel cooler

Doyle-Baker has a few tips and tricks, such as using water to feel cooler.

"Have water or [a] water bottle with you because you can do a couple of things with that. You can douse your head and your clothes with that, and that will at least act like a bit like a sprinkler," she said.

And if you're running close to a river, Doyle-Baker suggests dipping your hands and feet in the water to get some respite from the heat.

For vulnerable sections of the population, the professor suggests taking regular breaks from the heat and staying indoors between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when possible.

"Go to a mall, stay there if [you] don't have air conditioning [at home], find a place where you can, you know, really look after yourself in this extreme heat that we're about to experience."

That said, it's possible to have fun and make the most of the summer while taking the right precautions.

"We do want people to enjoy the outside," Nania said.

"We want them to enjoy the sun, but trying to take as many breaks as possible. And if that just means going in the shade or just taking some shelter inside for small amounts of time, that's really important."