facebook

Resources in Abbotsford: Preparing for Extreme Heat

Here are some resources on staying cool and healthy when extreme heat events occur in Abbotsford. Please visit the City of Abbotsford’s website for more updates.

For other heat-related information, please visit the Fraser Health webpage.

On this page, you’ll find information on:

Here are some extra ways to keep you and your loved ones safe before the next heat wave.

Download the quick facts sheet below with the Extreme Heat Prepareness resources

Extreme heat preparedness ad for Abbotsford

Heat Alerts: When are they declared?

  • Daytime high is above 33°C
  • Nighttime low is above 17°C
  • Lasts for 2 or more consecutive days

Heat Warning Criteria met and daily high is forecasted to increase substantively day-over-day for 3 or more consecutive days

For weather updates visit weather.gc.ca

Get weather updates on your phone!

Hello Weather is an automated telephone service that provides weather updates through the phone.

Simply call 1-833-794-3556 and put in the Abbotsford code : 08081

Plan ahead

It’s important to have a plan of action in place before a heat alert has been declared.

  • Where will you go to cool down? (mall, place of worship, neighbors, friends, cooling locations)
  • How will you get there?
  • Who will come with you to keep you company?
  • What will you take with you? (snack, book, puzzle, phone, medicines, etc.)

Cooling Centers in Abbotsford, BC

Visit these places for free to cool down when your residence is too hot. Please note:

*Please check company website to confirm opening hours

*No pets allowed – except service animals

Other places to cool down

  • Mall, spray park, swimming pool, ARC/MRC lobby (no membership required),
  • Check with place of worship if they have a place to cool down.
  • Visit neighbours, family or friends with air conditioners

Know the signs of heat-related illness

Learn about the differences between heat exhaustion and heat stroke and what to do in each case.

Check your symptoms by visiting Healthlinkbc.ca

Heat exhaustion: Symptoms

  • Skin rash
  • Heavy sweating
  • Dizziness/headache
  • Sickness/vomiting
  • Rapid breathing/heartbeat
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Muscle cramps
  • Extreme thirst
  • Dark urine/urinating less frequently

Heat exhaustion: What to do

Move to a cooler place and work on reducing your body temperature.

Heat stroke: Symptoms

  • Very hot and red skin
  • High body temperature
  • Drowsy or fainting
  • Confused
  • Less coordinated

Heat stroke: What to do

Call 911 immediately
Remove clothes and cover oneself with wet towels or submerge all or part of body in cool water.

 

At home: Tips to keep cool and healthy

  1. Drink water even if you are not thirsty, and eat fruits and veggies to stay hydrated.
  2. Avoid tea, coffee, sugary drinks, pop, alcohol as these drinks can increase the risk of dehydration.
  3. Stock up on groceries, medicine and other personal items before an extreme heat event.
  4. Do not rely only on fans as they may circulate the air but not be very effective to lower body temperature during extreme heat event.
  5. Use misting spray, cooling towels, ice packs (wrapped in towel) or take cold showers to stay cool.
  6. Block the sun with curtains, blinds, awnings, cardboard
  7. Do not open your windows during the day from 10am-8pm. You can open windows at night if the temperature outside is cooler and it’s safe to do so.

Remember to Connect with Neighbours

  • Connect with your neighbours in the hallway, elevators and strata meetings
  • Gather and share information about resources available in your area
  • Invite your friends to your home if you have AC
  • Go to cooler locations in your building such as building activity room or basement

Health Advice

For health advice, call 811

References: PreparedBC and Fraser Health

In partnership with