WATCH: The hot weather continues across southern Alberta, and for some people staying hydrated and out of the sun isn’t always an option. Quinn Campbell reports.
LETHBRIDGE- Everywhere you look in Lethbridge, people are trying to beat the heat. Temperatures have been near or over 30 degrees Celsius, and it will be staying hot for a few more days.
Ken Kissick says the prolonged heat is hard on his clients at Streets Alive Mission.
“The bulk of our clientele are what we would call homeless or street population,” he said. “Some have hotel rooms or certain places they live in but, they certainly don’t have access to a lot of the nice amenities that we have, like air conditioned homes.”
For someone living on the streets, trying to stay cool in extreme heat can be as challenging as staying warm in minus 30 degree weather.
Streets Alive Mission makes sure clients can stay hydrated during the hot temperatures.
“We have bottled water, we can give them bottles of water and then they will replenish those, but if they start the day without some kind of container then it’s a struggle to stay hydrated,” added Kissick.
Karin Goodison with Alberta Health Services says not looking after yourself in the heat can have dire consequences.
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“You can develop heat stroke,” she said. “That’s when the core body temp goes up really high, so it’s about 40 degrees or above and people can actually be unconscious, speaking in confused ways and that is a medical emergency. So we want people to seek medical care right away and call 911.”
When the mercury nears the 30 degree mark, Kissick says it’s not unusual to see less people out and about, seeking shelter from the sun.
“They are used to being out in the elements, so they take them on a little better than we do, and they manage through it”.
Kissik adds even in the summer, regular donations are needed.
Light summer clothing, hats, and sunscreen are essential donations, but it’s also basic supplies that can make a big difference.
“One of the things heat creates is sweat, sweat in their underwear and everything else and they don’t have access, so we always have a big need for underwear because we like them to change out of that,” she said. “Certainly things like bottled water and small snacks for energy.”
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