‘Dangerous’ heat wave on Sunshine Coast
Environment Canada warns of ‘dangerous’ heat wave on Sunshine Coast.
New record expected to be hit on Monday as temperatures go up even more.
Hot weather and lots of it has arrived on the Sunshine Coast in time for the start of summer, but this isn’t any old early summer heat wave – temperatures may be high enough to break all-time records in the coming days.
Affected areas include the Sunshine Coast and Lower Mainland, Howe Sound, Whistler, Southern Gulf Islands and east and inland Vancouver Island, according to Environment Canada.
Local medical health officers are expecting an increase in health and safety risks because of the heat, according to the warning.
Heat exhaustion symptoms can include:
- muscle cramps
- rapid breathing and heartbeat
- excessive sweating
- dizziness
- fainting
- nausea
- extreme thirst
- decreased or dark urine.
- In extreme cases, heat stroke can cause seizures and cardiac arrest.
Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) advised the public that “risks from extreme heat exceed risks from COVID-19.”
VCH also said people should remove their masks if they have difficulty breathing, whether indoors or outside, “as wearing a mask may impact thermal regulation during heat events.”
Ways to keep cool:
· drink water before feeling thirsty
· hydrating every 20 minutes.
· reducing exposure to the sun wherever possible
· stay in cool places, with shade and ventilation
· wearing the right clothes (light-weight clothing)
· Take a cool shower
· Use cold compresses
· Eat small meals
· Avoid alcohol and caffeine
Prevent heat exhaustion:
· 15-minute break every hour: taking rest breaks in cool
Closing the drapes and blinds: Shading windows can block out up to 65 per cent of the heat.
Shutting doors and windows: If the temperature outside is warmer than inside, keep doors and windows closed to keep the cooler air in and the warm air out.
Using a fan: Running a fan nine hours a day over the summer costs just $7.
· Check in on older adults and ensure they’re also staying hydrated.
· Check in on pets and ensure they’re also staying hydrated.
NEVER leave children or pets alone in a parked car. Temperatures can rise to 52°C (125°F) within 20 minutes in an enclosed vehicle when the outside temperature is 34°C (93°F). Leaving the car windows slightly open or "cracked" will not keep the inside of the vehicle at a safe temperature.
· Use sunscreen with SPF 15 or more AND sunglasses
Sunshine Coast daytime cooling centres
A daytime cooling centre is up and running at:
Sechelt: Aquatic Centre from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., with operations extended to Tuesday.
Gibsons: Area Community Centre, 700 Park Road on Monday and on Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Volunteers are helping operate a cooling centre at the Roberts Creek Community Hall, open Monday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., including access for leashed or crated pets.
Fire advice
· People should have a water source close to the fire, ensure it’s out completely when finished and that all debris and waste is cleared before leaving a campfire site. With this dry weather, a carelessly tossed cigarette butt can spark a fire quickly.
· Forest fuels are very dry and the fire risk is serious. New fires may start easily, burn vigorously, and challenge fire suppression efforts.
· People can report a wildfire, unattended campfire or open fire violation by calling 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 on a cell phone.
GET HELP IF YOU FEEL DIZZY, WEAK, ANXIOUS OR HAVE INTENSE THIRST AND HEADACHE.
To get more information:
- Check the local news for health and safety updates.
- Check HealthLinkBC online resources about heat-related illness and how to protect yourself at www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthlinkbc-files/heat-related-illness.
- Call HealthLinkBC at 8-1-1 to ask about heat-related illness.
Temperatures will begin to lower on Wednesday.
Stay safe and cool!
More details:
https://www.scrd.ca/files/File/Administration/News/2021-June-28-Additional%20cooling%20centres.pdf
https://www.coastreporter.net/local-news/all-time-temperature-record-smashed-on-coast-3914707