British Columbia’s summer temperatures are increasing. With the impact of climate change, periods of higher temperatures may become more frequent and last longer. We want to be prepared for extreme heat events and reduce the impact and risk to our health. We can do this by:
- taking steps to prepare ourselves and our homes;
- understanding which groups in our community are at the highest risk; and
- being aware of the signs of heat related illness
When temperatures soar, consider visiting community locations that are cool, or air conditioned. Click here for a map of community cooling locations on the north shore. Be sure to call or check online for hours of operation.
Extreme heat events (or ‘heat waves’) are higher then average temperatures usually experienced between May – September. In our region – Vancouver’s lower mainland – heat alerts have 2 stages:
Level 1: Heat Warning (‘very hot’): 2 or more consecutive days of daytime maximum temperatures of 29° (or warmer) and nighttime temperatures of 16° (or warmer)
Level 2: Extreme Heat Emergency (‘dangerously hot’): ‘Heat warning’ criteria is met, plus daily highs will continue to increase for 3 or more consecutive days
Anyone can suffer from a heat related illness but there are groups in our communities who are at higher risk than others. Heat-vulnerable groups include:
People over 50: The body’s ability to cool itself is impaired as we age; temperatures over 31° can overwhelm our body’s natural cooling systems
People who live alone: heat illness is often not noticed by those who have it
People with pre-existing health conditions: this may include diabetes, heart or respiratory disease, schizophrenia, pregnancy, limited mobility, depression, anxiety, substance use disorders (including alcohol)
People with limited mobility: less able to access cool spaces
Infants and Toddlers: this group is dependent on adults to keep them cool and hydrated
People who overexert during work or exercise: especially when working outdoors or in hot indoor environments
Stock Up!
Key supplies to get before the hot weather arrives includes:
- Indoor digital thermometer (31°or higher is dangerous for vulnerable people)
- Spray bottle
- Electrolyte power
- A fan and / or portable air conditioner
- Loose, breathable, natural fiber clothing (i.e., cotton, linen)
Prepare Your Home
A few modifications can make a big difference during periods of extreme heat. Consider:
- Installing window coverings; prepare to block the sun’s warming rays using blinds, heavy curtains, or reflective film
- Installing a window air conditioner in at least 1 room
- Having fans to maximize the circulation of cool morning and evening air
Keep Cool and Hydrated
- Drink plenty of cool fluids, especially water (avoid sugary, caffeinated, or alcoholic drinks)
- Take cool baths or showers to bring your body temperature down
- Wet your clothing during the day, or sheets at night
- If you don’t have air conditioning, go to a local library, community centre, or mall
- Check twice a day on friends and family members who are elderly or have special needs
At Home:
- Monitor indoor temperatures: heat risks increase at 26°, and significantly increase at 31°; consider staying with family or friends if you are in an ‘at risk’ group and live in a building where inside temperatures might be above 31°
- Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun with drapes, shades, or awnings
- Sleep in your home’s coolest location (usually the lowest part)
- Wear loose natural fibre clothing that breathes well
- Limit stove or oven use
Away From Home
- Spend time in shaded and breezy outdoor spaces
- Stay in climate-controlled buildings as long as possible; find a list of north shore cooling locations here
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher)
- Wear light weight, loose fitting, light-coloured clothing
- Reduce, eliminate, or reschedule strenuous activities to the coolest time of the day
- If working outside, monitor co-workers and have them do the same for you
Stay Connected
- Live alone? Find an extreme heat buddy; check in on each other a few times a day
- Do you have vulnerable family members in a higher risk group? Check in, ideally in person
- Be a good neighbour; check in on friends / neighbours
- Got air conditioning? Share it!
Caring For Pets
- Never leave pets in parked cars during hot temperatures
- Bring pets inside during the hottest time of the day
- Provide plenty of fresh water and shade for outdoor pets
On hot days your body has to work harder to maintain a normal temperature. You may find yourself breathing rapidly, feeling weak, faint, confused, or headachy. Heat stroke and heat exhaustion can follow. Heat illness has two stages – know the symptoms and act accordingly.
Heat Exhaustion – Symptoms and Actions
Heat exhaustion is ‘of concern’; call 8-1-1 or your health care provider of you experience or witness the following symptoms:
- Headache, dizziness, difficulty concentrating
- Rapid breathing and heartbeat
- Skin rash, heavy sweating
- Extreme thirst, nausea or vomiting
- Dark urine and decreased urination
- Muscle cramps
Anyone with these symptoms should be moved to a cool space, given plenty of water to drink, and cooled down with water applied to the skin.
Refer to Vancouver Coast Health / extreme heat for additional detail.
Heat Stroke: Symptoms and Actions
Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness as your body is unable to control it’s temperature. Call 9-1-1 or seek immediate medical attention for this medical emergency. Symptoms include:
- High body temperature
- Fainting or decreased consciousness
- Confusion
- Lack of coordination
- Very hot and red skin
Call 911 or seek medical attention. While waiting for help, submerge some or all of the body in cool water, remove clothes and apply wet towels.
Refer to Vancouver Coast Health / extreme heat for additional detail.
Learn more about extreme heat
- HealthLink BC: Heat illness (downloadable pdfs in 15 languages)
- HealthLink BC: Beat the Heat (downloadable pdfs in 15 languages)
- Vancouver Coastal Health: Extreme Heat
- Get Prepared Canada: Heat waves
- BC Centre for Disease Control: Preparing for Heat Events
Printable Resources: Extreme Heat Handouts
- NSEM’s Extreme Heat Colour Brochure
- NSEM’s Extreme Heat reference sheet
- Vancouver Coast Health EXTREME HEAT poster
- PreparedBC Extreme Heat Guide
