Lac La Biche County peace officers have added 'heat wave' patrols to their list of daily duties.
in a week where daytime temperatures have sent the mercury rising to more than 30C, peace officers have been watching for safety issues related to the soaring temperatures. People or animals left inside parked vehicles are on the radar of daily patrols, says John Kokotilo, the manager of Protective Services for Lac La Biche County
"Our officers are on the lookout for vehicles with children or pets left inside, and also for vehicles having mechanical issues We will stop if required to offer assistance," he said, explaining that on hot days like the ones recently experienced across the region, temperatures inside a parked vehicle can quickly climb. "A vehicle left in the sun with no air conditioning can reach 40C and higher in only a few minutes."
Even if the vehicle is left running with the air conditioning on, a person or animals left inside can be in danger in the case of an electrical or mechanical issue. He said, adding that officers will err on the side of caution if they see a possible danger.
"We will still reach out to locate the owner of the vehicle," he said, adding that officers are trained to evaluate the situation to determine if a more immediate response is needed. "A quick assessment will determine if our members need to breach the vehicle immediately – and we will if required or whether we have some time to locate the owner."
While it is not technically illegal to leave children inside a parked vehicle, a person can be charged with child endangerment, if the occupants are left for an extended period of time. Similar charges can be levied against people leaving animals in a vehicle where stress or harm to the animal is suspected.
"Animal owners who leave their dog in a hot vehicle could be charged under the Animal Protection Act. If convicted, the owner could face a maximum fine of up to $20,000 and a lifetime prohibition from owning animals," he said, explaining that even if the operator of the vehicle jumps out for only for a short time, the results can be severe.
Helping peace officers with their patrols, the municipally-hired Lac La Biche Street Ambassadors can also send requests for assistance.
"They have radio communication with our peace officers and fire department which leads to prompt response if required," he said, adding that peace officers take the situation very seriously.
Heat Warning
The recent hot weather settled across the region starting July 5. In the following days, the daytime high temperatures reached 30C across the Lakeland, with Environment Canada issuing advisories for excessive temperatures across much of Alberta, including the Lakeland area. On Thursday afternoon, Environment Canada issued a formal Heat Warning for the Lakeland area.
Heat warnings are issued when very high temperature conditions are expected to pose an elevated risk of heat illnesses, such as heat stroke or heat exhaustion.
The elevated temperatures are expected to continue to the end of the month.
