Staying safe during Saskatoon’s summer heat wave

With extremely hot temperatures on the horizon, it’s important to keep the health and well-being of others in mind.

A heat warning is currently in effect for the city of Saskatoon and much of Saskatchewan, with Environment Canada anticipating highs of up to 30 C in coming days. Temperatures could climb up to 35 C in some areas later in the week.

From children and seniors to pets, the heat affects everyone and everything.

Cynthia Schneider, the director of operations at the SPCA in Saskatoon, shared some tips for helping pets deal with the heat.

“Leave all pets at home, especially during heat waves,” Schneider said. “There is no safe temperature. If you have a backyard and you’re at home, put up a kiddie pool. Nine times out of 10, (the pets) will jump in there with you!”

Keeping a pet indoors with air conditioning is advisable, but if a pet must be taken out into the heat, Schneider advises to keep water on hand and to leave a car running with cool air on at all times.

The public can report pets in unsafe situations whether that is in heat outdoors or in vehicles this summer to the SPCA by calling 306-374-7387 or 911.

“Call us,” Schneider said. “We attend to all calls that come into us. Whether you think they’re a small call or a large call — we always take them seriously.”

Keeping kids safe in this summer heat while still letting them have fun may sound like an impossible task.

The YMCA’s child and youth co-ordinator, Zachary Digout, explained what kids can expect this summer at the YMCA starting July 5.

“If the heat wave does continue, we do prepare,” Digout said. “We are not going to cancel due to heat, however, we will make sure that kids are bringing their own water bottles, they’re wearing sunscreen … and if things are hot out and they continue to be hot, we’re moving our program into the shade.

“We will be doing lower-level energy activities like more crafts during hotter days … at least taking our activities down a notch to make sure kids are not overheating and over-exhausting themselves.”

Parents can also feel better about their kids being provided with a staff trained in CPR during this summer heat.

“Staff workers at the YMCA, especially those who work directly with children such as myself and our aquatics director, we have first aid,” Digout explained. “We also have our Child Protection Policy … We make sure there is always someone ready and in the building that is registered in first aid and CPR.”

Heat warnings are put into effect when higher temperatures could more likely result in heat-related illnesses.

In tips posted to its website, the Government of Canada advises people to watch for symptoms of heat illness, which can include dizziness, fainting, nausea or vomiting, headache, rapid breathing and heartbeat, extreme thirst (dry mouth or sticky saliva), decreased urination with unusually dark yellow urine and changes of behaviour in children (like sleepiness or temper tantrums).

“If you have any of these symptoms during extreme heat, move to a cool place and drink liquids right away,” the tips advise. “Water is best.”

When caring for someone who has a high body temperature and is unconscious, confused or has stopped sweating, the federal government advises calling 911 or a local emergency number immediately.

The City of Saskatoon also has cool-down spots to help beat the heat in the coming weeks.

By Payton Zillich, 650 CKOM