Albertans heading outdoors in increasingly hot summer temperatures are reminded to protect themselves and watch out for others who may experience potentially harmful effects of the sun, including heat-related exhaustion and sunstroke.

    Hats are an important part of being sun safe in the summertime.

    To avoid sunburns and heat-related exhaustion:
    –Apply a sunscreen of at least sun protection factor (SPF) 30, at least 20 minutes before heading outdoors. Be sure the SPF 30 screens out both UVA and UVB rays, and reapply frequently (as directed on product label).
    –Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses (with a UVA/UVB CSA certified seal).
    –Wear light-coloured long pants and long-sleeved shirts that cover skin.
    –Drink plenty of water and other non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated beverages to stay hydrated, even before you feel thirsty.
    –Consider rescheduling activities to cooler hours of the day.
    –Take frequent breaks from heat, spending time inside at cooled buildings (like malls or libraries) or indoor pools.
    Hot weather can also cause heat stroke. Symptoms include high body temperature, lack of sweat, disorientation, fainting, and unconsciousness. If you or anyone around you is experiencing these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
    “Normal activity that is safe on a cool day might be dangerous for you on a hot day. If you start to feel overheated, stop your activity immediately, seek shade and drink fluids,” said Dr. James Talbot, Chief Medical Officer of Health.
    Albertans are asked to pay close attention to vulnerable individuals, including young children, older adults, those with pre-existing medical conditions, and people who are socially isolated.
    Frequently visit neighbours, friends and older family members, especially those who are chronically ill, to make sure that they are cool and hydrated. If they show symptoms of heat stroke, get medical attention immediately. While awaiting medical attention, the person should be moved to a shaded area, and outer clothing and shoes should then be removed. You should also wrap the person in a cool, wet towel until medical care is provided.

    Dates are now set for registration centres to open across southern Alberta so residents can apply for funding to rebuild after the June floods.
    A flood recovery registration centre has been scheduled to appear in Drumheller on July 7 and 8 at the Memorial Arena from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day.

    “The unprecedented nature of this disaster required an unprecedented response from the government,” said Doug Griffiths, Minister of Municipal Affairs. “We had disaster recovery staff on the ground in west central Alberta where the floods started within days. Now we are setting up registration centres across southern Alberta so residents in downstream communities can apply for the money they need to rebuild.”
    Applicants should go to the registration centre. Anyone planning to apply later should continue cleaning and repairing their property, saving receipts and taking photos of damage.
    The application process for those unable to attend a registration centre will be announced at a later date. A permanent office for the 2013 Southern Alberta Disaster Recovery Program will also be established in Calgary later this summer. There will also be more registration centres in southern Alberta announced later in July.
    Disaster recovery programs provide financial assistance for homeowners to repair or rebuild their primary residence and other uninsurable property damage and loss. They also help communities, small businesses and agricultural producers recover from disasters. They are intended to cover the costs of returning essential property to the condition it was in before a disaster happened.
    “We understand that these floods have been traumatic for everyone, and that’s why we are moving as fast as possible to get help into these communities,” said Griffiths. “If you’re unable to apply in person, or do not have urgent needs and plan to apply later, there will be other ways to access this funding.”