High temperatures upwards of 29 degrees Celsius are expected to continue for the remainder of the weekend in Okotoks.
Cooling Station Locations
Cooling stations will be set up at the Okotoks Recreation Centre, Viking Rentals Centre, Okotoks Art Gallery and Okotoks Museum & Archives to give residents a chance to cool off during this weekend’s forecasted heat wave. The cooling stations will be open Thursday, May 29 to Sunday, June 1 during regular business hours, and water bottles will be available at all locations.
Spray Park Hours
The hours for the Okotoks Spray Park will be extended from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Please remember to double-check operating hours before heading to the park as they are subject to change. Updates will be posted on Active Okotoks.
Extreme Heat Safety Tips
Residents are encouraged to follow these tips to stay safe and cool during extreme heat:
- Avoid working or exercising intensely in the heat or humidity. If it cannot be avoided, be sure to take regular breaks, drink lots of water, maintain salt levels in your body and avoid high-protein foods.
- Never leave people or pets inside a parked vehicle.
- Hydrate to protect yourself from heat‐related illness.
- Wear loose-fitting clothes, a brimmed hat and UVA and UVB-protected sunglasses. Wear sunscreen, and reapply regularly.
- Check up on your family or friends who are alone and do not have air conditioning. If your home is too hot or uncomfortable, take cool showers or baths or go to an air-conditioned public space, like the Okotoks Recreation Centre, Viking Rentals Centre, Okotoks Art Gallery or Okotoks Museum & Archives.
- Learn more about cooling your home and find energy efficiency tools and tips at okotoks.ca/energy
Heat-related Illness
Concerned about your symptoms? If you start to feel overheated, stop your activity immediately, find shade and drink fluids. Seek medical attention immediately for any individual feeling faint. Heat-related illnesses can be fatal. Seniors, infants, those that live alone and those who have health conditions can be at risk. Reach out to anyone in your circle who may need assistance or extra support.
Pets
Pets are also vulnerable during heat waves. Call 9-1-1 if you see an animal left in a parked vehicle. Look out for your pets and watch for hot surfaces that might hurt to walk on, and always make sure they have plenty of water.
River Safety
Residents are reminded of the following safety precautions when using the river for recreation purposes:
- Always ensure you have a properly fitting life jacket or personal flotation device for each individual.
- Exercise caution around riverbanks as the fast-moving water can cause erosion and destabilization.
- Swimming or recreating in storm ponds is strictly prohibited. Learn more at okotoks.ca/river-safety
Outdoor Watering Schedule
Reminder, the outdoor watering schedule is in effect. Find your watering days at okotoks.ca/water.