Calgary’s most vulnerable in distress amid heat wave: Drop-In Centre

The scorching temperatures have all Calgarians feeling the heat to some degree, but the city’s most vulnerable have a much harder time escaping it.

On day four of a heat warning in the city, the temperature is 34 C as of 6 p.m. on Monday, nearing a record high of 36 C set in 1933.

Environment and Climate Change Canada says infants, children, seniors, individuals with pre-existing lung, heart, kidney, nervous system, mental health or diabetic conditions, outdoor workers, as well as those who are socially isolated can experience earlier or more severe effects from heat.

Heat stroke, heat exhaustion, lack of sweat, confusion, fainting, unconsciousness, and dehydration are just some of the risks associated with constant exposure.

And amid a drug crisis, Kevin Webb, director of emergency housing and shelter with the Calgary Drop-In Centre, says it’s a combination for disaster.

“It’s extremely dangerous, the warmer weather. ” Webb said.

“You have someone that’s unsheltered in a congregate living. A lot of individuals will also go outside because it is so nice, and there’s not always someone there to respond if there is an adverse reaction to the toxic drug supply.”

Despite the increased heat in Calgary, he says the Drop-In Centre is not seeing a big enough shift in people using drop-in services.

“We hope that we would see an increase in individuals that are accessing shelter during this time because it’s an air-conditioned building, we have water all around the facility plus access to any emergency medical response that may be needed,” he said.

“We have seen over the weekend it looks like a slight increase in usage in the building, not a drastic increase.”

Read More: Extreme temperatures expected across Alberta Monday

Meanwhile, he says offering a bottle of water to someone on the streets can go a long way.

“if anyone is seeing someone in distress because of the heat, contacting emergency services for individuals is the number one thing to do,” Webb said.

“But simply handing out a bottle of water can make a big difference to somebody in this 32 C weather.”

He says Calgarians can also donate to the Drop-In Centre online.