Preparing for Extreme Heat
Extreme heat can put your health at risk, causing illnesses such as heat stroke or even death. Protecting yourself, your family, and other potentially vulnerable people in your life is essential.
There are two types of heat level alerts in BC.
Alert
|
Threat
|
Action
|
Heat Warning |
Daytime and overnight temperatures are higher than seasonal norms and holding steady. |
Take usual steps to stay cool. |
Extreme Heat Emergency |
Daytime and overnight temperatures are higher than seasonal norms and getting hotter every day. |
Activate your heat emergency plan. |
Make sure you have an emergency plan and an emergency kit for everyone in your family. Be prepared by stocking up on extra fuel and food, and during an event stay tuned to radio and televisions stations for weather updates.
A Heat Warning or an Extreme Heat Emergency will typically be identified three to four days before the hottest temperatures occur. Island Health, supported by Environment and Climate Change Canada, will distribute alerts when heat events are a moderate or high risk to the public's health.