Protect Yourself and Others from Extreme Heat
Seniors are the most vulnerable and at higher risk of experiencing health effects in our population. However, different people respond differently to the rising temperatures. Staying cool is especially important for:
- Elderly people over 60
- People who live alone
- People with pre-existing health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease or respiratory disease
- People who use substances, people on certain medications,
- People who are pregnant, infants, and young children.
Be Prepared on the North Shore with Protective Measures
The more protective measures you take, the safer you’ll be – especially important if you have one or more risk factors. For more information on heat-related illness, please call BC HealthLink at 811, or visit preparedbc.ca/ExtremeHeat. Be sure to see the North Shore Extreme Heat Emergency Management site.
Free Portable Air Conditioners Available from BC Hydro
BC Hydro is providing free portable air conditioners to income qualified households and individuals referred by regional health authority programs. Click here to learn how to apply.
Health Effects of Extreme Heat
Extreme heat events, also known as “heat waves,” can cause a number of heat-related illnesses and can lead to an increase in deaths. Heat-related illness is an umbrella term for conditions caused by heat, such as heat rash, sunburn, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and, the most severe, heat stroke.
To learn more about the signs of heat exhaustion, heat stroke please download this poster, print it out and put it on your fridge or bulletin board where you can see it!