What to do during extreme heat
Extreme heat
Calgary’s summers are getting increasingly hotter and drier. Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) defines extreme heat as temperatures reaching 29°C during the day and 14°C overnight for two consecutive days with no relief overnight.
Extreme heat can put your health at risk, causing illnesses like heat stroke and even death. There are steps you can take to get prepared for extreme heat events.
How to prepare
- Refurbish and outfit your home to prepare for the extreme heat season. A few potential upgrades include:
- Adding drapes or shades to windows
- Replacing or upgrading weather stripping around doors and windows
- Adding insulation to keep the heat out
- Installing an attic fan to clear hot air
- Installing air conditioning, if possible
- Put together an emergency kit for your home with essential supplies such as non-perishable food, water, batteries, flashlights, and other items in case of an emergency.
- Create an emergency action plan for your household. Be sure to include your pets in your plan.
- Review your insurance coverage and understand what is covered under your policy. Contact your provider with any questions.
- Download the WeatherCAN and Alberta Emergency Alert apps and sign up to receive alerts for your area.
What to do during
- Take breaks in the shade if you're working or exercising outside.
- Chill out in public spaces with air-conditioning like malls, libraries and recreation centres.
- Visit a spray park to stay refreshed.
- Drink water often.
- Wear sunscreen, loose clothes, brimmed hats, and UVA/UVB protected sunglasses.
- Never leave people or pets in parked cars or direct sunlight. Make sure pets have plenty of water.
- Keep your home cool by closing curtains and avoiding oven use if able.
- Check on seniors, infants, and those with health conditions during the heat.
Cooling locations
Cooling locations are publicly available indoor locations open their normal business hours where individuals can visit for a temporary respite from the heat. All listed locations have either an indoor water fountain or an indoor water bottle filling station.
Check out places to cool down near you:
N.E. locations
| Location | Address |
|---|---|
| Country Hills Library | |
|
Dashmesh Culture Centre (1 p.m. to 10 p.m.) |
|
| Renfrew Aquatic & Rec. Centre | |
| Saddletown Library | |
| Saddletown YMCA | |
| Village Square Library |
N.W. locations
| Location | Address |
|---|---|
| Bowness Library | |
| CF Market Mall | |
| Crowfoot Library | |
| Judith Umbach Library | |
| Louise Riley Library | |
| Nose Hill Library | |
| Rocky Ridge Library | |
| Sage Hill Library | |
| Shane Homes YMCA at Rocky Ridge | |
| Thornhill Aquatic & Rec. Centre |
S.E. locations
| Location | Address |
|---|---|
| Brookfield Residential YMCA at Seton | |
| Calgary Soccer Center | |
| Cardel Rec. South | |
| Central Library | |
| CF Chinook Mall | |
| Fish Creek Library | |
| Forest Lawn Library | |
| Quarry Park Library | |
| Remington YMCA at Quarry Park | |
| Seton Library | |
| Shawnessy Library | |
| Shawnessy YMCA |
S.W. locations
| Location | Address |
|---|---|
| Giuffre Family Library | |
| Killarney Aquatic & Rec. Centre | |
| Memorial Park Library | |
| Nicholls Family Library | |
| Rose Kohn & Jimmy Condon Arenas | |
| Signal Hill Library | |
| Southland Leisure Centre | |
| Southwood Library |
What to do after
- Refurbish and outfit your home for the next extreme heat season.
- If you experience severe symptoms from extreme heat, consult a healthcare professional for guidance on managing your health.
- Check on neighbours, friends and older family members, especially those who are more susceptible to health issues during heat events.