Port Coquitlam residents are being advised to stay cool and hydrated in preparation for the upcoming hot and dry weather.

Residents are encouraged to stay hydrated, monitor indoor temperatures and heat illness symptoms as well as check regularly on family members and neighbours, 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

1. Ready your home

1. Install an air conditioning unit in at least one room.
2. Purchase fans that can be used to help move cooler air indoors during the late evening and early morning.
3. Install and utilize awnings curtains or blinds during the day to block out the sun.
4. Monitor indoor temperatures (temperatures of 31C or higher is dangerous for vulnerable people)
5. Prepare meals that don’t need to be cooked in the oven.

2. Protect yourself and your loved ones

1. Drink plenty of cool liquids, especially water, before feeling thirsty to avoid dehydration.
2. Dress in lightweight, light-coloured and loose-fitting clothing made of breathable fabric.
3. Avoid sun exposure: Cover your head and face with a wide-brimmed breathable hat or umbrella, seek shade (e.g. under tree cover) and use sunscreen that is SPF 15 or higher when outdoors. Also, never leave people or pets in your care inside a parked vehicle or in direct sunlight.
4. Slow down: Your body can’t function as well in high temperatures. This includes planning outdoor activities during cooler parts of the day.

6. Cool down: Visit an air-conditioned location such as a store or at the Terry Fox library for three or more hours. This will give your body temperature a chance to regulate. Alternatively, take a cool shower/ bath or 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.

5. Frequently check on family members, neighbours and friends who are elderly or chronically ill to make sure they are cool and hydrated.

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 8-1-1 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 CONTACT

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