The Extreme Weather Strategy sees local Saskatoon businesses and organizations opening their doors to allow residents to cool off. Brenna Sych, the Communications Coordinator with the Saskatoon Housing Initiatives Partnership says the strategy is for everyone.
“If you find that you’re out with your kids and you’re not able to get home or you just need a place to cool down, you can let’s just say, go into the library for a while, right, or if you are without housing, you are in that precarious situation and you don’t have a safe place to get to, these provide a safe place to get out of the heat.”
Paved Arts, the Salvation Army, the Lighthouse and every Saskatoon Public Library location are part of the strategy.
Sych says they’re partners with many different Saskatoon organizations which have posters on display letting residents know where they can cool off. She adds with the posters, social media and word of mouth is how they get the message out about the strategy.
Click here for more information about the strategy and the locations that acts as cool-off locations.
The strategy is put into place when there are highs of 30 degrees or more.
The City of Saskatoon suggests things to consider during days of extreme heat:
Keep cool
- Have access to cool drinking water and drink regularly, even when not feeling thirsty
- Move to a cooler indoor space, if possible
- Draw curtains, shades or shutters to help block direct sunlight
- Close windows during the heat of the day to trap cooler air indoors
- Open windows overnight or whenever there is a cool breeze, keeping safety in mind
- Activate air conditioning or open windows in different areas to create a cross-breeze
Sun protection
- Limit physical activity and exposure to the outdoors during the hottest hours
- Wear light coloured and lightweight clothing
- Apply sunscreen and reapply regularly throughout the day
- Wear a hat or other head covering
Be a good neighbour
Residents can help those most vulnerable to this extreme and prolonged heat by sharing the designated cool down locations poster, checking on family, friends and neighbours and by alerting emergency services if you 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, EMO reminds residents that the river is unpredictable and swimming in the river is prohibited. The river has many hazards including changing currents and an unstable bottom.
Pet wellness
On warm summer days, it’s important to keep your pets safe and comfortable. Considerations include:
- Ensuring your pet has plenty of fresh water to drink
- Monitoring your pet for signs of heat stress such as rapid panting
- Never leaving pets in parked cars for any amount of time
- Offering your pet a means to cool down such as a wading pool or damp towel
Working safe
As the humidex rises, those who work outdoors are encouraged to take necessary actions including:
- Drink extra water
- Increase breaks out of the sun
- Modify work duties to prevent heat illness
For safety tips and guidelines for employees working in hot conditions, visit the Government of Saskatchewan’s Working Outdoors page.
Transit Safe Bus Program
Saskatoon Transit offers the Safe Bus Program designed to assist anyone, of any age, that needs immediate shelter or needs to contact emergency services. If you need help, simply and safely flag down a bus or go to a parked bus. Transit operators can contact emergency services directly through the on-bus radio system and will give the person in need a safe place to wait.
Smart yard and garden watering
During heat waves, there is increased water usage. The City encourages residents to be water wise by watering your lawn and trees early in the morning and skip windy days to minimize evaporation. Smart watering helps the environment and can save you money during hot summer months.
