ENVIRONMENT Canada has issued a heat warning for Sunday and Monday with daytime highs rising to near 34 with an overnight low in the high-teens, the City of Abbotsford announced on Sunday.

A Heat Warning (Stage 1) means daytime and overnight temperatures are higher than usual, but they are not getting hotter every day. In Abbotsford, this means a daytime high of 33 C and an overnight low of 17 C for two or more consecutive days. When a Heat Warning is issued by BC Heat Alert and Response System (BC HARS) residents can follow the below tips for staying safe during a heat event.

Tips for staying safe

• Check on others: Remember to check regularly on family members and neighbours, particularly seniors and those who are housebound. People living alone are at high risk of severe heat related illness. Check regularly on older people, and those who are unable to leave their homes, for signs of heat-related illness.
• Stay hydrated: Drink cool non-alcoholic beverages (preferably water) irrespective of your activity intake.  Don’t wait until you are thirsty. Seniors, people with medical conditions such as heart problems and breathing problems, athletes, and children should take extra care to stay hydrated and cool during extended periods of heat.
• Stay cool:Plan ahead and stay out of the sun as much as possible.
• Plan activities for the early morning and after sunset. If you are out during the day, wear sunscreen, dress in lightweight clothing and find shade in parks with tree shade. Peak hours during a heat wave are between 12 and 4pm. Avoid strenuous activities.
• Never leave any children or pets inside parked vehicles.
• Seek out an air-conditioned facility (such as a shopping centre, library, community centre, restaurant, or a residence of friends or family).
• Visit one of Abbotsford’s public pools or spray parks or take a cool bath or shower.
  • Spud Murphy Spray Park at 32285 Hillcrest Avenue
  • Mill Lake Spray Park at 2310 Emerson Street
  •  Shadbolt Park Spray Park at 36086 Shadbolt Avenue

View the Community Safety Tips webpage for more details on heat warnings and tips on staying cool.