The New Brunswick Department of Health issued a Level 1 heat alert Tuesday, warning residents in Fredericton, St. Stephen, Oromocto and surrounding areas of health risks due to extreme heat.
The advisory included Chipman, Southern York County, Queens County and Sunbury County.
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Staff at York Care Centre in Fredericton told Global News they made sure residents were hydrated and remained indoors most of the day.
York Care Centre activity coordinator Mariah Giberson said she planned several indoor activities for the day to keep residents content.
“It’s very, very hot and older adults are at risk for heat stroke as they get older and with the aging process, so we’re limiting our time outside today greatly,” Giberson said.
Director of Care Services Erin MacDonald said seniors lose the ability to regulate their temperature, and said many residents require closer monitoring during hot, humid days.
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MacDonald said they also handed out popsicles to employees to help them beat the heat.
In an emailed statement from the province’s acting chief medial officer of health, Dr. Jennifer Russell said people with respiratory and cardiovascular diseases are most at risk.
“If you are vulnerable to heat, it is important to drink plenty of cool fluids such as water before feeling thirsty,” Russell said. “If your dwelling or apartment stays warm at night, make arrangements to sleep in a cooler place. On those warm days, keep the sun out of your apartment with curtains or blinds and avoid exposure to the sun.”
She said it’s a good idea to visit air conditioned facilities such as malls, libraries, churches, shaded parks or pools in order to cool down. Russell also said people planning outdoor activities during extremely hot weather should plan around cooler parts of the day.
Wearing lightweight, loose-fitting and light coloured clothing is also recommended.
“If you know someone (family member or neighbour) who is vulnerable, visit them to make sure they are coping well,” Russell said. “Never leave someone or a pet in your care inside a parked car, even with the windows rolled down. The interior of a parked vehicle can reach very dangerous temperatures within minutes.”
She said young children, older adults, and people who are chronically ill, socially disadvantaged or isolated are also extremely vulnerable to hear, along with people taking certain types of medication.
Fredericton Homeless Shelters Inc. executive director Warren Maddox said the shelters are open 23 hours per day, and many residents at St. John House utilize the shower on hot days. He said it’s important clients have a shaded, dignified place to cool down.
“We always have a space available for the men and women who come to the shelters so they’re able to come get out of the heat, we have showers and that ability for people to keep themselves cool and we pay attention to how our residents are doing to make sure that they don’t get overheated, that they’re drinking lots of fluids and are taking care of themselves,” Maddox said.
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