NEW! The Environment and Climate Change Department (ECC) has secured additional Heat Response Kits and is pleased to announce a second round of the Heat Response Program.

First-time applicant? We invite you to submit an application.

Applied previously? If you applied for a kit previously and did not receive one, you’ll be re-entered into the random draw automatically. No longer interested in receiving a kit? Please let us know at climate@metis.org.

 

HOW TO APPLY

To help Citizens feel more comfortable, the Environment and Climate Change Department (ECC) is offering Otipemisiwak Métis Government Citizens aged 60 and up the opportunity to request a Heat Response Kit for their home.

To be eligible for a heat response kit, you must be:

  • Aged 60+
  • A registered Otipemisiwak Métis Government Citizen
  • Residing in Alberta

Additionally, you must confirm if the air conditioner will be able to vent through your window. The unit comes equipped with a window mounting kit and exhaust hose.

Disclaimer: We will be sending an air conditioner designed for greater energy efficiency, but depending on how much it’s used, it may increase your energy bill.

Registration closes August 2, 2026. Recipients will be selected through a randomized draw, and the ECC team will reach out to them to confirm their shipping information.

Please note that there are 50 Heat Response Kits available. Each household selected in the draw will receive one Heat Response Kit.

To register, please visit albertametis.com/heat-response-kit

 

For questions, email climate@metis.org

 

WHAT IS IN THE KIT?

AIR CONDITIONER SPECIFICATIONS

The ECC team will be sending an air conditioner to each selected household.

You can select one of the following units while completing the application form:

  • The portable unit is 34.9 cm in height, 44.3 cm in length, and 72.8 cm in width, and it weighs about 31.5 kg (69 lbs).
  • The window unit is 37.0 cm in height, 54.9 cm in length, and 48 cm in width, and it weighs about 27.2 kg (59.97 lbs).

Both units cool a space of roughly 450 ft2 (42 m2). This is enough to cool a living room, a bedroom, a workspace, or a small apartment, but not an entire home.

Please note that both units require a window in order to operate. The portable unit comes equipped with a window mounting kit and exhaust hose and must be able to vent outside. The window unit must be placed in a window.

For other ways to keep cool, please see the Extreme Heat section at the bottom of the page.

The kits also include:

  • An energy saving kit created in partnership with Enerva, a Canadian-owned company dedicated to energy efficiency and emission reduction
  • A cooling bandana
  • A thermometer
  • A collapsible fan
  • Mug, socks, and a toque
  • Resources for dealing with extreme heat, extreme cold, and improving energy efficiency

VOICES FROM THE COMMUNITY

“The heat and wildfire smoke usually come at the same time and cause a significant impact on my health.” – Otipemisiwak Métis Government Citizen

“Makes me think of the elderly woman sleeping in her building’s hallway because it was the only place with AC in a heatwave, or the woman who tried to put a kiddie pool in her living room and flooded her apartment. I think of stories like these a lot.” – Otipemisiwak Métis Government Citizen

“I am young now, but I fully believe that a heat wave will kill me someday. I think I will not live as long as I could because the extreme heat is so hard on the body (and worse for elders).” – Otipemisiwak Métis Government Citizen

“Last summer was brutal, with some seniors requiring hospitalization from the heat.” – Otipemisiwak Métis Government Citizen

“My concern is for the vulnerable, disabled, small children and elderly not having access to a reprieve in hot weather. Unable to afford air conditioning or the means to travel to a mall, library, or other air-conditioned area.” – Otipemisiwak Métis Government Citizen

WHY ARE THESE KITS NEEDED?

In 2025, the ECC Department released a Let’s Get Prepared survey to learn what Citizens prioritize and are concerned about when it comes to extreme weather events. It also asked them to share their experiences with emergency management. One of the most striking results from the survey was how many Citizens have experienced extreme heat. Knowing that extreme heat can pose a significant risk to older adults, the ECC team launched this campaign to help ensure that more Citizens have access to the tools they need to stay safe.

Graph illustrating Citizens’ experience with extreme heat in Alberta, total applicable responses = 658

Graph illustrating how extreme heat has impacted Citizens, total applicable responses = 622

WHAT IS EXTREME HEAT?

Extreme heat warnings in Alberta are declared when temperatures exceed a daytime high of 29°C for two or more consecutive days, with no reprieve overnight.

IMPROVING ENERGY EFFIENCY AT HOME

  • Keep windows and blinds closed during the hotter parts of the day.
  • Use weather strips to ensure cold air does not escape and hot air does not enter the house.
  • Install thermal drapes over your windows to deflect sunlight.
  • In the evening, open all windows and use fans to circulate cool air through your home.
  • Use air conditioners strategically throughout the day to reduce electricity costs.
    • Keep the door closed while the air conditioner is running.
    • Use air conditioners in combination with fans or other drafts to distribute cool air.
    • Avoid using air conditioners during the hottest part of the day.
    • Regularly clean filters to ensure efficient use.

HOW TO STAY COOL

Stay safe and comfortable during a heatwave with the following tips:

1. When you leave the house:

  • Stay hydrated and  bring at least two litres of water with you.
  • Wear sunscreen that’s at least SPF 30 and reapply it every 2-3 hours.
  • Wear loose-fitting clothing. Opt for lighter colours to avoid absorbing heat and avoid darker colours.
  • Go to designated cooling centres or public spaces that have air conditioning, such as shopping malls, movie theatres, libraries, or gyms.
  • Never leave people or pets alone in closed vehicles or under direct sunlight.

 

2. General tips:

  • Avoid caffeinated beverages and alcohol, as they cause dehydration. Drink water and electrolyte beverages instead.
  • Avoid greasy or heavy foods.
  • Avoid turning on the oven for cooking and opt for meals that require little to no cooking.
  • Avoid strenuous activity.
  • Check up on people who are more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses, such as individuals with preexisting health conditions, children, or older adults.
  • Apply cold packs or place cool towels on your body. For better results, apply them to your body’s pressure points, which include your temple, neck, wrists, the inside of your knees, and your ankles.

HEAT AND HEALTH

Extreme heat poses serious health risks to our community. It can result in illnesses like heat exhaustion or heatstroke. It’s vital to look out for each other by checking up on those who are vulnerable and ensuring everyone is staying hydrated.

While heat exhaustion and heatstroke are both heat-related illnesses, their symptoms, severity, and treatment options differ.

If someone you know is experiencing signs of heat exhaustion, help them lay down in a cool place that’s out of the sun, apply cool, wet cloths, and give them small sips of water.

If someone is showing signs of heatstroke or is experiencing a medical emergency, call 911.

Heat exhaustion symptoms:

  • Clammy skin
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Rapid breathing and heartbeat
  • Extreme thirst
  • Excessive sweating
  • Muscle cramps
  • Nausea
  • Decreased urine output

Heatstroke symptoms:

  • Heat exhaustion symptoms, plus:
    • Dizziness, fainting, or unconsciousness
    • Confusion
    • Lack of coordination
    • Very high body temperature (above 39.4°C)
    • Lack of sweat and very hot skin