As the summer continues to roll on, City staff prepare for the issuing of another heat warning. Port Coquitlam residents are being reminded to stay safe and implement their personal or family emergency plans for heat-related emergencies.

The City recommends residents assess individual needs and take proactive steps to address them prior to the province declaring a heat warning or extreme heat emergency. In both of these declarations, residents can expect daytime and overnight temperatures to be higher than usual, and remain high for two or more consecutive days. 

Residents are encouraged to stay hydrated, monitor indoor temperatures and heat illness symptoms as well as check regularly on family members and neighbors, particularly seniors and those who are housebound. Seek out an air-conditioned facility such as the Port Coquitlam Community Centre (PCCC), Hyde Creek Recreation Centre, the Terry Fox Library or a cooling centre (if opened), to get a break from the heat and never leave children or pets inside parked vehicles.

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

Additionally, the City will continue to monitor updates from local health authorities and the province 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 for two or more hours so that your body temperature has a chance to regulate. 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 outdoor pools such as:

• Castle and Sun Valley Parks, and spray features at Lions Park and Port Coquitlam Community Centre (PCCC), open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily or
• Outdoor pools:Centennial, Routley, Sun Valley and Robert Hope Pool
  Hours of operation may change by location and can be viewed online at portcoquitlam.ca/outdoorpools.

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 9-1-1 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, 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.

For more information about what to do during a heat wave, visit portcoquitlam.ca/heat. For health-related inquiries call 811 or visit healthlinkbc.ca.

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

MEDIA CONTACTS

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