TEMPERATURES UP TO 35° EXPECTED IN VICTORIA AND AREA
A heat warning is in effect this week. Environment Canada has advised British Columbians of a heat wave affecting the province, including Greater Victoria, Southern Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Temperatures are expected to reach 25 to 35 degrees Celsius.
The hottest days are expected from Wednesday to Friday. The hottest time of the day will be late afternoon to early evening, and the coolest time of day will be early in the morning.
Check out these tips and resources for keeping you and your family cool and safe during extreme heat:
1. The most effective way to keep cool during extreme heat is air conditioning. If you don’t have air conditioning at home, spend time in air-conditioned public facilities like malls, libraries and recreation centres. The City of Victoria has also set up two cooling centres at Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre and Cook Street Activity Centre which will be open during extreme heat emergencies. Click here for a list of cooling resources in the Greater Victoria area.
2. Choose loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing and apply sunscreen when outdoors to protect yourself from the sun’s heat and rays. Ensure that children are dressed appropriately for the heat and are wearing protective SPF.
3. Stay hydrated and drink lots of fluids, even if you don’t feel very thirsty. Drinking cool water is the best way to stay hydrated. Drinking natural fruit juice or eating fruits and vegetables can also help to keep you and your family hydrated during hot weather.
4. Take cool showers or baths. You can also use cool washcloths to cool you or your child’s body down.
5. Do not leave children and vulnerable family members unattended. Never leave children, family members or pets inside a vehicle. Check in with children and family frequently to ensure they have support staying cool and hydrated.
TAKE CARE TO REDUCE RISKS FOR HEAT-RELATED ILLNESSES
Extreme heat can affect anyone, but vulnerable people are more susceptible to heat-related illness. Young children, pregnant people, elderly people and those with additional health challenges are at high risk and may need help staying cool during extreme heat.
Pay close attention to how you and your family are feeling. Especially for youth and vulnerable people, heat-related illnesses can set in quickly and may become serious.
Heat illness or exhaustion can be treated by moving the child or family member to a cool place and giving them water to drink.
Heat stroke is a medical emergency – seek immediate medical attention or call 911 if you are caring for someone who has symptoms of heat stroke.
SYMPTOMS OF HEAT STROKE:
– Very high body temperature
– Confusion or loss of consciousness
– Hot, red skin with no sweating
SYMPTOMS OF HEAT ILLNESS/EXHAUSTION:
– Headache and dizziness
– Nausea and vomiting
– Extreme thirst
– Behaviour changes in children, like temper tantrums or sudden sleepiness
– Rapid heartbeat and breathing
– Skin redness or rash and heavy sweating
Pay attention to weather updates and ensure that you have family, friends or neighbours to check in with during extreme heat. Ensure that children and vulnerable people you are caring for are supported in staying cool and hydrated. The heat can be challenging for all of us, but we can work together to stay cool and safe during very hot weather.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Victoria Capital Region recognizes and respects the Lək̓ʷəŋən (Esquimalt and Songhees), Pacheedaht, Scia’new, T’Sou-ke and W̱SÁNEĆ (Malahat, Pauquachin, Tsartlip, Tsawout, Tseycum) people, whose traditional territories we live, work and play upon each day.
