June 12, 2023
The City of Edmonton is extending its extreme heat response until Wednesday, June 14 at 8 a.m. The City has also activated its poor air quality response until at least Wednesday, June 14 due to poor air quality. If poor air quality conditions persist, the activation may be extended.
For extreme heat, the threshold for activation typically involves the presence of an Environment Canada alert and forecasts with peak temperatures of 29° Celsius during the days and 14° Celsius during the nights for at least three consecutive days. For poor air quality activations, the threshold for activation typically includes the presence of an Environment Canada Special Air Quality Statement and a score of 7 or higher for two consecutive days on the
Air Quality Index.
Extreme Heat Supports:
Water
Edmontonians needing water can access one of the water bottle filling stations that attach to fire hydrants. Water bottle filling stations give 24/7 access to potable water throughout the summer months. The water bottle filling stations will be available until September 30, 2023. A list of locations is available at
edmonton.ca/extremeweather.
All Peace Officers carry water bottles for distribution to vulnerable people in need.
Poor Air Quality Supports:
- Open City facilities will be available for anyone needing respite from the smoke, such as recreation centres, pools, and libraries. Transit centres and LRT stations are not appropriate for respite from smoke because most of these facilities are exposed to the outside air and do not have controlled indoor climates.
- Distribution of N95 masks to social agency partners will be available as needed to provide to community members in need of protection from smoke.
What Edmontonians Can Do To Help
Edmontonians should ensure they are aware of steps they can take to reduce the health risks to themselves and others. For air quality, we encourage people to take any and all actions to reduce exposure to the smoke. Please keep all windows and doors of buildings and vehicles closed as much as possible during periods of poor air quality.
We encourage Edmontonians to check in on older family, friends and neighbours. Edmontonians who are concerned about someone outside can help by calling:
- 211 and press 3 for the 24/7 Crisis Diversion team. They can assist with individuals who may be in distress and can provide transportation to social service agencies.
- 911 in cases of emergency
Sector Emergency Response
The City’s extreme weather response supplements existing measures implemented by the Sector Emergency Response group, a collaboration of more than 25 agencies working together to ensure Edmonton’s most vulnerable people are safe during adverse weather conditions.
