Saskatoon activates emergency response plan as heat wave settles in

With the arrival of the first heat wave of the year, the Saskatoon Emergency Management Organization is making sure the city’s vulnerable residents keep cool and safe.

The Saskatoon Extreme Heat Emergency Response Plan was activated on Monday afternoon. The mercury is expected to climb above 30 C on Tuesday and throughout the rest of the week. Thursday is expected to be the hottest day, with Environment Canada predicting a high of 33 C.

The city’s co-ordinated response includes cooling locations, outreach services and wellness checks. Partner organizations will also distribute water to vulnerable residents, and misting tents will be set up in several locations to provide another way to cool down.

The details of all of the cool-down locations can be found on the city’s website.

The city said residents can help by checking on family, friends and neighbours, sharing the list of cool-down locations, and by alerting emergency services if they see someone in distress due to the extreme heat.

River safety

Although the South Saskatchewan River may provide a tempting option to cool down on hot days, the Saskatoon Emergency Management Organization reminded residents that the river is unpredictable and swimming in the river is prohibited.

Pet wellness

On warm days it’s important to ensure pets have plenty of fresh water to drink.

The city also reminded pet owners to not leave animals in parked cars for any amount of time. The Saskatoon SPCA noted that the temperature inside a vehicle can rise by 10 degrees in just 10 minutes on a 30 C day.

“Your dog could suffer severe and irreversible damage from heat stroke after just 15 minutes,” the organization noted.

“Leaving the windows open or parking in the shade does not reduce this risk.”

Smart yard and garden watering

During heat waves, water usage increases.

The City of Saskatoon encouraged residents to be water wise by watering lawns and trees early in the morning or evening and skipping windy days to minimize evaporation.