Level 2 heat alert prompts precautions
Even hotter, more humid conditions expected Wednesday; cooling centres available
The heat warning that went into effect for much of New Brunswick on Tuesday persists Wednesday, and precautions are being taken in Fredericton to ensure people are protected.
Environment and Climate Change Canada’s federal weather service has heat warnings in effect for all regions of New Brunswick save for Campbellton and Restigouche County.
The forecast is calling for a maximum temperature of 30 to 35 C on Wednesday, with a humidex of 39 to 45 C. The same is predicted for Thursday.
The weather service is calling for temperatures of 18 to 2 C overnight Wednesday.
“Heat warnings are issued when very high temperature or humidity conditions are expected to pose an elevated risk of heat illnesses, such as heat stroke or heat exhaustion,” Environment and Climate Change Canada’s advisory stated.
The provincial government has issued a Level 2 heat alert, which indicates everyone - not just the elderly, children and people with health conditions - is at increased risk of heat stress and heat stroke
In Fredericton, Willie O'Ree Place or the Grant-Harvey Centre have been earmarked as cooling centres, and people in need of relief from the hot conditions are urge to avail themselves of the facilities during their operating hours of 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
“Residents can also visit Killarney Lake and the Wilmot Splash Pad,” the City of Fredericton said in a statement.
It noted the city’s outdoor pools don’t open until June 26.
“We also encourage residents to spend a few hours in a cool place, such as a mall, library, church or shaded park,” the statement said.
The municipality also acknowledged that the city’s homeless population could be at risk in the heat wave, noting steps have been taken to ensure they have cool places during the day.
“The John Howard Society will have both the Oak Centre and the Ironwood Resource Centre open,” it said.
City spokesperson Elizabeth Fraser also noted that Fredericton operates a high priority disaster response registry, aimed at helping vulnerable capital residents who live alone or don’t have family members nearby.
“In an emergency (such as a heat alert), a trained professional will check on a resident listed in our registry by phone or in-person,” Fraser said.
The registry can be found online at this link.
Environment and Climate Change Canada also encouraged community engagement for the sake of public safety.
“People living alone without air conditioning are at high risk especially if the heat wave lasts many days,” its heat warning said.
“Check regularly on your neighbours and relatives to make sure they are not in danger.”
Those participating in sports and recreational activities outdoors ought to consider rescheduling - or at least remember to take regular water breaks
While the federal weather service’s heat warning notes the heat warning will continue Thursday, it might even stretch into Friday, especially for southern areas of New Brunswick
“Nighttime lows are expected to remain very warm for the period, limiting overnight cooling,” it said.
Environment and Climate Change Canada’s heat warning advised people should hydrate regularly, even ahead of feeling thirsty, as thirst isn’t a good indicator of dehydration.
“Watch for early signs of heat illness - feeling unwell, fatigue, thirst, headache - [as] all these can rapidly evolve into life-threatening emergencies,” the alert said.
“Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately if you or someone you are caring for has a high body temperature and is either confused, has stopped sweating or becomes unconscious.”
In the meantime, take steps to cool the person in distress immediately, it said.
The Fredericton Independent can be reached at ftonindependent@gmail.com.