After a cooler than average spring, experts are saying it is important to prepare as hot weather is set to arrive in B.C. this week.
Because people aren’t used to higher temperatures, there is a higher chance of overheating as people aren’t yet acclimatized to the warmer weather.
Although the temperatures do not meet the threshold for heat warnings or extreme heat emergencies, Island Health says it is important to be prepared in order to avoid heat-related illnesses.
Some ways Island Health says people can prepare for hot weather include:
- If you have an air conditioner, make sure it works.
- If you do not have air conditioning at home, find an air-conditioned spot close by where you can cool off on hot days. Consider places in your community to spend time such as movie theatres, libraries, community centres, or shopping malls.
- Shut windows and close curtains or blinds during the heat of the day to block the sun and to prevent hotter outdoor air from coming inside. Open doors and windows when it is cooler outside to move that cooler air indoors.
Once the hot weather arrives, Island Health says seniors, people who live alone, people with pre-existing health conditions and people with mental illness are most susceptible to heat-related illnesses.
- Other people more susceptible are:
- People with substance use disorders
- People with limited mobility
- People who are marginally housed
- People who work in hot environments
- People who are pregnant
- Infants and young children
The health authority says once the hot weather arrives, there are a number of steps people can take in order to avoid heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
- Spray your body down with water, wear a damp shirt, take a cool shower or bath, or sit with part of your body in water to cool down if you are feeling too hot.
- Drink plenty of water and other liquids to stay hydrated, even if you are not feeling thirsty.
- Take it easy, especially during the hottest hours of the day.
- Stay in the shade or use a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or more.
- Signs of overheating include feeling unwell, headache, and dizziness. Take immediate action to cool down if you are overheating.
- It is important to remember that overheating can lead to heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
- Signs of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, severe headache, muscle cramps, extreme thirst, and dark urine. If you are experiencing these symptoms, you should seek a cooler environment, drink plenty of water, rest, and use water to cool your body.
- Signs of heat stroke include high body temperature, confusion, dizziness/fainting and flushed skin with no sweating.
- Heat stroke is a medical emergency.
Island Health warns to look out for the following signs of heat-related illness:
- Heavy sweating
- Muscle cramps
- Rash
- Swelling, especially hands and feet
- Fatigue and weakness
- Light-headedness and/or fainting
- Headache
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Extreme thirst
- Dark urine and increased urination
During the hot weather, you are advised to call 911 if someone has a severe headache, confusion, unsteadiness, loss of thirst, nausea or vomiting, and dark urine or no urine. These are signs of heat-related illness.
Environment and Climate Change Canada has currently issued a special weather statement for several part of the province, including Greater Victoria, East Vancouver Island, and Inland Vancouver Island related to the hot weather.
The special statement is in effect from Friday until Monday, with temperatures expected to reach the upper 20s during the day, and lower to mid-teens overnight.
READ MORE: Heat wave and peak snow melt expected to collide in B.C. in coming days
Laura Brougham
