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.
The Capital Region Extreme Heat Information Portal hosts information and maps that will help residents and municipal planners explore and understand the capital region's vulnerability and exposure to extreme heat.
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.
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. Alerts typically happen three to four days before the hottest temperatures are expected to take place.
Extreme Heat and Climate Change
Due to climate change, the capital region is experiencing hotter summer temperatures. In the coming decades, we can expect to experience more extreme heat days and heatwaves. We can minimize the impacts of climate change by reducing our carbon pollution and preparing our homes and communities for climate impacts that include extreme heat.
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