Call 780-467-7741 if you see someone struggling because of the heat. Call 9-1-1 if it's a medical emergency or 2-1-1 for information and referral to community, social, health and related government services in Alberta.
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Extreme heat can put your health at risk. Older adults, young children and anyone with medical conditions are most vulnerable to heat illnesses. Heat also poses risks to people who live alone or are experiencing houselessness. Check on your neighbours, family and friends.
Places to cool down
You are welcome to visit the following locations to keep cool during normal business hours.
- Strathcona County Community Centre
- Strathcona County Library
- Bethel Transit Terminal
- County recreation facilities in central/lobby areas.
- Spray parks/decks
- If you need to cool down and need shelter, hop on a Strathcona County Transit bus. Even if you don’t have a fare, we will make sure you aren’t left outside.Â
Outdoor drinking water stations
Recreation facility drinking fountains (map locations)
- Ardrossan Spray Park
- Broadmoor Lake Park parking lot (temporary station)
- Broadmoor Lake Park picnic shelter
- Emerald Hills Sports Pavilion
- Millennium Place outdoor fields
- Strathcona Athletic Park
Hydrant drinking water fountains (map locations)
More supports
Contact Family and Community Services for resources including:
- transportation and food
- homeless shelters in the region, housing option supportsÂ
- basic hygiene and clothingÂ
- passes for showers, as requiredÂ
- counselling supportsÂ
Need a ride?Â
Our buses are a safe place. If you need to cool down and need shelter, please hop on a bus, even if you don't have the fare. We won’t deny you in this weather. More information on  Safe Bus.
Tips to stay cool
For you
- Drink water before you feel thirsty
- Wear light, loose layers
- Visit an air-conditioned place
- Avoid extended sun exposure, especially during the heat of the day
- Avoid intense physical activity and plan outdoor exercise for cooler parts of the day (morning, evening)
- Never leave a person or pet in a parked car
For your home
- Close and cover windows facing the sun during the day
- Plan meals that don’t need the oven
- Turn off lights when not in use
- Use a fan in or next to a window; bring cooler air in from outside when temperatures are lower at night
For animals
Pets and livestock need special care during heat waves. Visit the Alberta SPCA for animal care tips. If you see dogs in distress, call 780-467-7741. For all other animals, report concerns to the Alberta SPCA.
Air quality during hot weather
The Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) helps you understand what the air quality around you means to your health. The AQHI is a tool that relates the air quality outside to your health, using a scale from 1 to 10. The lower the number, the lower the risk.
Heat illness
Heat illness can affect you quickly and can lead to long-term health problems and even death. They are mainly caused by being over-exposed to extreme heat, especially if you are doing too much for your age and physical condition.
Look out for symptoms of heat illness:
- Dizziness or fainting
- Nausea or vomiting
- Headaches
- Rapid breathing and heartbeat
- Extreme thirst
- Decreased urination
- Changes in behaviour in children (sleepiness or irritability)
If you have any of these symptoms, move to a cool place and drink liquids right away.
Heat stroke is a medical emergency!
Call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number immediately if you are caring for someone who has a high body temperature and is either unconscious, confused or has stopped sweating.
Read more heat-related safety tips.
Energy saving tips
When summer temperatures climb, we tend to use more electricity to cool living spaces for long periods of time like air conditioning, HVAC systems and fans which can strain the local power grid.
Being energy conscious can help you save money on power bills and keep the energy grid working efficiently, preventing potential power outages.
Electricity-saving tips:
- Turn off unused lights and electrical appliances
- Have your A/C serviced and clean filters
- Minimize A/C use, especially if you’re away from home
- Run bigger appliances such as washers, dryers and dishwashers after peak (5 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.) hours
- Charge electric vehicles after peak hours
- Use cold water for washing clothes
- Cook with BBQs and smaller appliances instead of the oven
- Limit the use of kitchen or bathroom ventilation fans
- Use motion-detector lights in storage areas, garages, and outdoors
- Work on a laptop instead of a desktop computer
- Visit the Government of Canada’s Energy Efficiency hub for more energy saving tips
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