Groups to help city cope with heat wave

Centres to provide place to cool down, water, sunscreen

A wave of smoke and heat is taking hold of the city and community groups are taking extra precautions to help Edmontonians in need stay cool.

With temperatures expected to peak at 36 C on Friday, centres in the city will be providing extra water and sunscreen as well as opening their doors for those who need to beat the heat.

Bissell Centre will be extending its hours Thursday and Friday until 4 p.m., providing two extra hours to use the indoor facilities, centre spokesman Devin Komarniski said.

Centre staff will also be giving out water bottles that were donated during the last major heat wave, as well as sunscreen and hats.

“Edmontonians have helped us get ready for what is going to be some pretty brutal heat,” Komarniski said.

Boyle Street Community Services said they are urgently letting the community know about the impending severe heat and will also add extra precautions to help their members. A water cart will be offered throughout the day Thursday and Friday, spokesman Elliott Tanti said. The centre is collecting water bottle donations.

Environment Canada issued both a heat warning and special air quality statement for Edmonton on Wednesday morning. Alberta Health Services issued a precautionary air quality advisory for the entire province Wednesday afternoon as a result of smoke from wildfires wafting across the sky.

“Residents of and visitors to Alberta are advised to be aware of air conditions and take precautions against potential health concerns that can be associated with smoky air conditions,” the advisory reads.

If smoke conditions become more severe, individuals may experience temporary irritation of eyes, throat and shortness of breath.

People with existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions may notice a worsening of symptoms with the smoke, AHS said.

Edmonton’s air quality health index is sitting at five, a moderate risk level, but up to a high risk of eight in smoky conditions.

City spokeswoman Adrienne Cloutier said residents are advised to seek shelter whenever they can, but there currently aren’t any plans for the city to open up cooling centres.