VCH issues resource sheet on health guidance for extreme heat events

ByPatrick Dunne

Environment and Climate Change Canada declared a Heat Warning for B.C.’s Central Coast-Inland sections and the Sea-to-Sky corridor.

Vancouver Coastal Health has released an information and resource sheet with links intended to support communities during heat and air quality events this summer.

  • Central Coast-Inland sections, including Bella Coola, Hagensborg, Kimsquit: Heat Warning issued for Tuesday, July 16 through to Sunday, July 21. Daytime high temperatures near 30 degrees Celsius combined with overnight lows near 15 degrees are expected. Temperatures are forecast to moderate on Friday but will rise again during the weekend.
  • Sea-to-Sky Corridor, including Lions Bay, Squamish, Whistler, Pemberton, Mt. Currie, D’Arcy, Lillooet: Heat Warning issued for Tuesday, July 16 through to Monday, July 22. Daytime highs in the 30s with overnight lows in the mid teens.  Some relief is expected on Friday, with the temperatures rebounding to heat warning criteria by Sunday.

This heat event is not forecast to meet criteria for an Extreme Heat Emergency, however, indoor environments without effective air conditioning may become dangerously hot.  Risk of heat-related illness starts to increase at indoor temperatures over 26°C (78°F), especially for people at higher risk.  If the indoor temperature is over 31°C (87°F), we recommend going to a cooler space for as long as possible.  Please see attached Summer Health Resource for Community Organizations, that your organization can use to prepare and respond, as capacity allows (updated June 2024).  VCH staff are available for training, presentations, and consultation: healthy.environments@vch.ca

Groups at higher risk for heat-related illness:

  • Seniors aged 60 years or older
  • People who live alone or are socially isolated 
  • People with pre-existing health conditions and/or disabilities (e.g. diabetes, heart disease, respiratory disease, schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, limited mobility and other disabilities)
  • People using substances, including alcohol 

Other groups at risk for heat-related illness: 

  • People who are experiencing homelessness or marginal housing
  • People working or living in hot spaces 
  • People who are pregnant
  • Infants and young children