Extreme Heat Alert
June 28, 2021
Extreme high temperatures are forecasted for the Fraser Valley, lasting until Tuesday.
HealthLink BC has these tips for keeping cool and healthy:
- Never leave children alone in a parked car. Temperatures can rise to 52 Celsius (125 Fahrenheit) within 20 minutes inside a vehicle when the outside temperature is 34 C (93 F). Leaving the car windows slightly open will not keep the inside of the vehicle at a safe temperature.
- Drink plenty of fluids. Drink extra water even before you feel thirsty and if you are active on a hot day. Ask your healthcare provider about how much water you should drink on hot days if you are on water pills or limiting your fluid intake.
- Keep cool. Stay indoors in air-conditioned buildings or take a cool bath or shower. At temperatures above 30 C (86 F), fans alone may not be able to prevent heat-related illness. Sunscreen will protect against the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays, but not from the heat.
- Plan activity before 10 am or after 4 pm, when the sun’s UV radiation is the weakest.
- Avoid tiring work or exercise in hot, humid environments. If you must work or exercise, drink two to four glasses of non-alcoholic fluids each hour. Rest breaks are important and should be taken in the shade.
- Avoid sunburn. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher on exposed skin and an SPF 30 lip balm, and reapply often.
- Wear lightweight, light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing and a wide-brimmed hat, or use an umbrella for shade.
- Regularly check older adults, children and others for signs of heat-related illness, and make sure they are keeping cool and drinking plenty of fluids. Check on those who are unable to leave their homes and people with emotional or mental health challenges whose judgment may be impaired.
- Heat also affects pets. Never leave a pet in a parked car. Limit pets’ exercise, and be sure to provide them with plenty of water and shade.
Home treatment for mild heat exhaustion may include:
- moving to a cooler environment;
- drinking plenty of cool, non-alcoholic fluids;
- resting; and
- taking a cool shower or bath.
If symptoms are not mild, last longer than one hour, change, worsen or cause concern, contact a healthcare provider.
Elevated heat also increases the risk of wildfire, and British Columbians are being urged to do their part to prevent human-caused wildfires and help keep communities safe. To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or open burning violation, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cellphone.
Cooling Centres
Abbotsford
www.abbotsford.ca/alerts/extreme-heat-alert
Chilliwack
www.chilliwack.com/main/page.cfm?id=2976
Kent
www.kentbc.ca/en/news/june-25-district-of-kent-cooling-centre-open.aspx