Be prepared and stay safe during high heat

News

The City of Vernon is offering some safety reminders and tips to help residents and visitors stay safe during high heat times.  

As of 12:25 p.m. today, Environment Canada issued a Heat Warning for the North Okanagan, including Vernon. Over the next few days, Environment Canada is forecasting daytime highs to range between 35 to 40 degrees Celsius with overnight lows in the high-teens.

Individuals who may be most impacted by the heat include seniors, children, those with underlying medical conditions, and those who do not have access to alternative air-conditioned shelter.

Interior Health and the BCCDC recommend watching yourself and others for signs of heat-related illness and to take specific steps to stay cool and hydrated, including:

Tips to beat the heat

  • Drink water regularly, before you start to feel thirsty
  • Seek shade or cool indoor locations, avoid direct mid-day sun
  • Wear loose protective clothing and a hat, sunscreen and UV-protective eyewear
  • Plan your outdoor activity before 11 a.m. or after 4 p.m., to avoid the most intense sun, and take it slow with plenty of rest breaks
  • Never leave people or pets alone in a parked car. Temperatures can rise rapidly and become much hotter than the outside temperature.
  • Cover windows during the day and open them in the evening if you can get a breeze through your home
  • Use air conditioning (if available) to take the edge off the heat, but be careful not to over-cool your space
  • If you don’t have air conditioning, seek shelter in the coolest room of your home and use a fan
  • Regularly check on relatives, friends and neighbours to see how they’re doing; particularly older adults, infants and children, those doing a lot of physical activity or working outside, and those with underlying health conditions

Where to go to beat the heat

Members of the public are welcome to visit Kal Tire Place during its normal hours and walk the concourse or rest for a while in one of the seats to escape the heat. For a complete daily walking schedule, please visit www.gvrec.ca.

Additional public indoor spaces to stay cool, include:

Public access to drinking water and washrooms

Throughout the City of Vernon there are several locations where you can find public access to drinking water.  For more information and details about where to find public access to drinking water, information on City of Vernon locations to stay cool, and heat safety tips, please visit www.vernon.ca/news.

Be fire safe

With increased temperatures, the threat of wildfire can change quickly. If you see a wildfire, call the BC Wildfire Service at 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cellphone. If you see smoke or fire within Vernon, call 911 immediately.

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