AS Environment Canada issued a heat warning for Metro Vancouver, the City of Vancouver on Monday reminded residents to stay safe during hot weather through a wide range of services available in the community.

Keep cool

Cooling centres in community centres and libraries are now activated.

• Everyone is welcome to cool down and rehydrate at one of these centres and some will allow well behaved pets.
• In addition to these air-conditioned facilities, members of the public are welcome to seek shade at any of the City’s other community centres, at weather protected plazas and under trees, umbrellas and awnings at parks, beaches and pools.

Indoor temperatures above 31 degrees can be dangerous for most people.  Make a plan to stay cool. When possible, use an air conditioner to cool your home or individual rooms in your home.

Take cool baths or showers, wear a wet shirt or apply damp towels to your skin, open windows at night and close windows, blinds and curtains during the day.  If you can’t stay cool at home, visit malls, neighbourhood spaces, or public cooling centres.

Stay hydrated

It is important to stay hydrated when it is very hot. Drink plenty of water before you feel thirsty.

• There are over 200 permanent fountains across Vancouver, with additional temporary ones added across the city during the summer months.
• Use a misting station to wet your skin or the clothes you’re wearing. Misting stations are available 24/7 and are activated via a push button.
• You can also visit beaches, swimming pools, spray parks and wading pools to do the same.

Look out for people vulnerable to heat

Check in on family members, neighbours and friends. This includes:

• Older adults, aged 60 and over;
• People who live alone;
• People with pre-existing health conditions, including mental illness and substance use disorder;
• People who are marginally housed; and
• People who experience barriers to mobility.

During heat events, City staff working outdoors in the community will look out for people suffering heat-related illness. The City has bottled water available for distribution to targeted community groups through key partners and through Cooling Centres.

For more information and to stay informed with the most up-to-date information including places to stay cool, visit vancouver.ca/hotweather or follow the City’s social media channels @CityofVancouver.

For more information on health and safety tips during the summer season, visit vch.ca/extremeheat.