Summer is officially here, how you can stay safe as temperatures warm up

While warming temperatures can create tons of fun summer activities, it can also be dangerous without proper ways to cool down, which is why the Extreme Weather Response Committee has launched a homeless-centered Summer Weather Response Plan, designed to keep Winnipeggers safe during extreme heat.

Developed by co-chair Jamil Mahmood, the plan outlines community response information for extreme heat situations, as well as resources available for those seeking shelter and assistance with basic needs.

“This plan allows us to be very nimble and be ready for whatever comes our way, but also throughout the summer be serving the population and those that need it,” said Mahmood.

Jason Whitford with End Homelessness Winnipeg adding, “We do the same thing in the winter when there a storm coming or when the temperature goes below a certain threshold and the same thing with heat, heat can be dangerous, and Winnipeg is a place of extreme heat and cold as we know.”

This year’s response includes four actions to be taken when Environment and Climate Change Canada issues a heat warning. Those include Extreme Weather Response Committee meetings, funding to homeless serving organizations, water, cooling locations, and pop-up cooling tents, supplied from community organizations and hydration stations. City facilities will also be ready to offer a cooling space.

“We have the ability now with this plan and with the extreme weather fund through End Homelessness Winnipeg to be able to say like you know last time we ran out of water, so let’s double stock water, get more cooling devices, let’s maybe increase some outreach options during those periods when weather alerts are issued,” said Mahmood.

And while both organizations are optimistic about this year’s plan, they say it’s a short-term fix, what’s needed is more housing and shelters.

“In extreme weather, we are full all the time and I think most shelters are in the same situation, so we would really like to see the advancement of more housing options for the community,” said Mahmood.

Whitford adding, “We need to collectively create a pathway so those housing plans can come to fruition, so we have enough housing that meets the current need, but also meets a future need, but also prevents the inflow into homelessness altogether.”

The plan can be viewed online and provides maps to shelters, water stations, and other resources for extreme heat situations.

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