In response to the heat warning issued by Environment Canada with temperatures expected to be in the range of 31 to 36 celsius, the City is advising residents to prepare for the hot weather expected to hit this week. The City has taken measures to offer respite from the heat. 

A cooling centre at the Port Coquitlam Community Centre (PCCC) will open August 11 to 15 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m to provide relief for residents. Residents seeking respite from the heat must check into the cooling centre before 6 p.m. Hours will be extended up to 8 p.m as needed to accommodate those attending. The City will monitor participation and adjust response measures as required. Residents can also find relief from the heat by visiting other cooled public spaces such as the Terry Fox Library. 

The City’s cooling centre is pet friendly and will have supplies of water, hand sanitizer on-hand and physical distancing measures will be in place. The wearing of masks in the cooling centre is recommended as per the guidelines for cooling centres from the BC Centre for Disease Control.

Bylaw officers will be checking on the vulnerable peoples of our city, providing water and connecting them to other services in the area that provide support directly through the many partnerships in place.

The City has compiled resources to help residents avoid preventable heat illnesses. For more information, visit 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 umbrellawhen 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. 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.

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

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.

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MEDIA CONTACTS

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