As the summer continues, Port Coquitlam residents are being reminded to stay cool and hydrated after another heat warning has been issued for the region.

A temporary cooling centre at the Port Coquitlam Community Centre (PCCC) Terry Fox Library will be available to provide relief for residents. The City’s cooling centre will be available Thursday, July 29 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Friday, July 30 to Saturday July 31 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the possibility of extended hours if temperatures remain high. 

Visitors are reminded to adhere to all COVID-19 safety protocols when dropping into the cooling centre, such as practicing good physical distancing and staying away if feeling sick.

Bylaw officers and other City staff will be checking on the vulnerable peoples, providing water and connecting them to other services.

The City will continue to monitor updates from local health authorities in regards to heat notifications and advise residents of changes as needed. 

Compiled resources to help residents avoid preventable heat illnesses are available at portcoquitlam.ca/heat.

To avoid heat illnesses during a heat wave:

1. Drink plenty of cool liquids, especially water, before feeling thirsty to avoid dehydration.
2. Slow down: Your body can’t function as well in high temperatures.
3. Cool down in an air-conditioned location such as a store or at the Terry Fox library. At home, take a cool shower or bath.
4. Avoid sun exposure. Cover your head and face with a wide-brimmed breathable hat or umbrella when outdoors. Seek shade and use sunscreen that is SPF 15 or higher.
5. Dress in lightweight, light-coloured and loose-fitting clothing made of breathable fabric.
6. Never leave people or pets in your care inside a parked vehicle or in direct sunlight.
7. Frequently check on family members, neighbours and friends who are elderly or chronically ill to make sure they are cool and hydrated.
8. Plan outdoor activities during cooler parts of the day, or try to find a cooler outdoor location (e.g.under tree cover).
9. Visit one of the City’s spray parks or book a visit at one of our four outdoor pools. COVID-19 restrictions are in place, pre-registration is required. Visit portcoquitlam.ca/register. 
10. Prepare meals that don’t need to be cooked in the oven.
11. Block out sun by opening awnings, and closing curtains or blinds during the day.

Heat Illnesses

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 their skin or clothing, and
• fanning the person as much as possible. 

Other heat illnesses include 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, rapidbreathing 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.

Stay Informed

For more information about what to do during a heat wave, visit portcoquitlam.ca/heat or follow us on our social media channels for updates. 

For health related inquiries call 811 or visit healthlinkbc.ca.

MEDIA CONTACTS

Ximena Ibacache
Manager of Communications & Administrative Services
City of Port Coquitlam
Tel 604.927.5499
Email ibacachex@portcoquitlam.ca