Before a heat event

Being prepared is key to making sure you are ready for a heat event. If you are able, please make sure you have some of the following:

• Air conditioning unit in at least one room if possible
• A thermometer that is easy to see
  • Safe indoor temperatures are below 26°C. Health risks increase as temperatures increase, particularly for those who are susceptible. If indoor temperatures rise above 31°C  for an extended period of time, go to a cool space, such as a library, community centre or loved one’s home.
• A space in the coolest part of your home, such as the basement, that can be used if inside temperatures reach 31°C
• Someone to check-up on you regularly if you live alone or someone you will check on
  • Please see the National Collaborating Centre for Environmental Health’s Check-in resources, or if your loved ones have mental health or substance use challenges see resources from Toward the Heart and Canadian Association for Mental Health (Note: This is for clinicians but may also be helpful for caregivers).
• Window coverings to block out heat (curtains, blinds, and/or awnings)
• Portable air cleaners or air filters for your HVAC systems for potential wildfire smoke
• Cold packs in your freezer
• Lightweight clothing and linen
• Fans to bring cold air in from outside at night

Ask a health professional how medications or health conditions can affect your risk in the heat.

Stay up-to-date – weather can change quickly. Tune in to weather forecasts and know if there are heat or smoke alerts in your area. Use a weather app like WeatherCAN.

Resources:

Programs for home retrofits

• Energy Conservative Assistance Program (ECAP) for advice and a free energy saving kit. 
• Energy Efficiency Rebate Search Tool - Better Homes BC Incentive Programs - call 1-844-881-9790 for assistance. 
• CleanBC Income Qualified Program for more substantial retrofits for lower income homeowner.
• Empower Me, which tailors to multilingual households and newcomers. 
• Government of Canada rebates.
• You can also call BC 211. 

Guidance

• PreparedBC’s Extreme Heat Preparedness Guide
• Staying Healthy in the Heat fact sheets (Health Canada)
• Parents: Keep children cool! Protect your child from extreme heat
• Athletes: You’re active in the heat. You’re at risk! Protect yourself from extreme heat
• Seniors: It’s way too hot! Protect yourself from extreme heat
• Beat the Heat B.C.: HealthLink BC
• Three Steps to Home Heat Protection (University of Waterloo)
• Three Steps to Apartment Heat Protection (University of Waterloo)