Extreme heat can put everyone at risk from heat illness – particularly older adults, infants and young children, people with chronic illnesses, those who work or exercise in the heat, homeless people and low-income earners.
Heat waves are expected to become more frequent as our climate continues to change. We have developed an Extreme Heat Plan to help citizens during heat waves, which are generally defined as a period where the temperatures are at or above 29 C for more than three consecutive days.
The plan includes providing cooling centres, and educating residents on how to prevent heat illnesses. Information will be publicized in the community and posted on this webpage whenever Environment Canada and the Medical Health Officer call a heat advisory for the region.
With the right precautions, heat illnesses are preventable.
*Extended spray park hours to help keep you cool. From July 28, 2022 until the end of the long weekend Aug. 1, beat the heat at any of our four spray parks from 9am-9pm. Spray parks are located at Castle Park, Lions Park, PCCC, and Sun Valley Park.
In the Fraser Health region, an extreme heat emergency (level 2) is issued when the heat warning criteria has been met and daytime maximum temperatures are expected to substantively increase day over day for three or more consecutive days.
The following information was provided by Health Canada and HealthLink BC (excluding city specific information and examples).
During a heat wave:
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of cool liquids, especially water, before feeling thirsty to avoid dehydration. Avoid beverages with caffeine or alcohol. Thirst is not a good indicator of dehydration.
- Slow down: Your body can’t function as well in high temperatures.
- Keep cool: Cool down in an air-conditioned location such as a store, library or a recreation centre (e.g. Hyde Creek or PoCo Rec Complex/Wilson Centre). At home, take a cool shower or bath.
- Avoid sun exposure. Shade head and face with a wide-brimmed breathable hat or umbrella when outdoors. Seek out shade and use sunscreen that is SPF 15 or higher to avoid sunburns, which decrease the body’s ability to cool itself.
- Dress in lightweight, light-coloured and loose-fitting clothing made of breathable fabric.
- Never leave people or pets in your care inside a parked vehicle or in direct sunlight.
- Frequently check on family members, neighbours and friends who are elderly or chronically ill to make sure they are cool and hydrated.
- Plan outdoor activities during cooler parts of the day, or try to find a cooler outdoor location (e.g. under tree cover). If this is not possible, reduce the duration and intensity of the activity.
- Prepare meals that don’t need to be cooked in the oven.
- Block out sun by closing awnings, curtains or blinds during the day.
- Get informed: Call HealthLink BC at 811 or visit their website.
Call 604-927-3111 for information about cooling centres. Pools, spray parks and outdoor drinking fountains in the community are located at:
- Hyde Creek Rec Centre, 1379 Laurier Avenue – Indoor Pool
- Port Coquitlam Community Centre, 2150 Wilson Avenue – Indoor Pool and Spray Park
- Centennial Park, 3050 Chester Street – Outdoor Pool
- Robert Hope Park, 2137 Lamprey Drive – Outdoor Pool
- Sun Valley Park, 3700 Hamilton Street – Wading Pool and Spray Park
- Routley Park, 1570 Western Drive – Wading Pool
- Castle Park, 2252 Castle Crescent – Spray Park and Drinking Fountain
- Lions Park, 2300 Lions Way – Spray Park and Drinking Fountain
- Gates Park, 2300 Reeve Street – Drinking Fountain
- McLean Park, 3155 Wellington Street – Drinking Fountain
- Leigh Square, 2253 Leigh Square – Drinking Fountain
- Before a heat wave:
Ensure your fans and/or air conditioner in your home, car and office are in working order, and replace/repair if necessary.
If you are taking medication or have a health condition, ask your doctor or pharmacist if it increases your health risk in the heat, and follow their recommendations.Heat stroke
Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Call 911 if you are caring for someone who has a high body temperature and is either unconscious, confused or has stopped sweating.
While waiting for help, cool the person right away by:
- moving them to a cool place if you can,
- applying cold water to large areas of the skin or clothing, and
- fanning the person as much as possible.
Common heat illnesses
Heat illnesses include heat stroke (see above), heat exhaustion, heat fainting, heat edema (swelling of hands, feet and ankles), heat rash and muscle cramps.
Watch for symptoms of heat illness, which include:
- dizziness or fainting,
- nausea or vomiting,
- headache,
- rapid breathing and heartbeat,
- extreme thirst, and
- decreased urination with unusually dark yellow urine.
If you experience any of these symptoms during a heat wave, immediately move to a cool place and drink liquids. Water is best.
