Port Coquitlam residents are being reminded to stay cool and hydrated this summer while preparing their personal or family emergency plans for heat-related situations.
Residents are encouraged to:
- Stay hydrated,
- Monitor indoor temperatures and watch for signs of heat illness
- Regularly check on family members and neighbours, particularly vulnerable individuals such as seniors and persons managing medical conditions.
For relief from the heat, consider visiting air-conditioned facilities such as the Port Coquitlam Community Centre (PCCC), Hyde Creek Recreation Centre (HC), or the Terry Fox Library. Never leave children or pets unattended, inside parked vehicles.
The City will monitor updates from local health authorities and the province in regards to heat notifications and advise residents of changes as needed.
To support residents in finding available resources in their neighbourhood, the City has developed a map that highlights the locations of indoor cooling centres, outdoor pools, spray parks and public drinking water fountains. To view this map and for additional information on how to prepare for a heat warning or extreme heat emergency, visit portcoquitlam.ca/heat.
To Avoid Heat Illnesses During a Heat Wave:
- Drink plenty of cool liquids, especially water, before feeling thirsty to avoid dehydration.
- Slow down: Your body can't function as well in high temperatures.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily or
- Outdoor pools: Centennial, Routley, Sun Valley and Robert Hope PoolHours of operation may change by location and can be viewed online at portcoquitlam.ca/outdoorpools.
- Prepare meals that don't need to be cooked in the oven.
- 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 8-1-1 or visit healthlinkbc.ca.
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Media Contact
Ximena Ibacache
Manager of Communications & Administrative Services
City of Port Coquitlam
Tel 604.927.5499
Email [email protected]