Preparing for the first hot stretch of the summer

Starting this weekend, most regions in BC–including North Saanich–can expect the first hot stretch of summertime weather. With elevated temperatures, the risk of heat related illnesses increase.

The District encourages residents to stay safe and prepare for the heat.

Extreme heat is dangerous for the health and wellbeing of our community and is responsible for the highest number of weather-related deaths annually.

Now is the time to identify those who are most at risk for extreme heat emergencies, especially if they do not have access to air conditioning and need to be prepared and supported. Those in this category include (but are not limited to) seniors aged 65 years or older, people who live alone, and people with pre-existing health conditions.

Now is also an excellent time to prepare your home for high temperatures, making whatever modifications are most appropriate for you, your budget, and your residence.

When the temperature starts to rise, pay attention to sources of accurate, authoritative, and up-to-date information about weather like the media, Environment Canada, Emergency Info BC, and Island Health for more information about heat warnings and extreme heat emergencies.

The Province of BC notes that in 2021 alone, the BC Coroners Service attributed 595 deaths to the extreme heat event that occurred between June 25 and July 1. Most of those deaths resulted from excessive indoor temperatures in private residences.

For more information and practical tips about preparing for and dealing with extreme heat, the Province of BC has assembled a number of online resources about extreme heat, including a downloadable Extreme Heat Preparedness Guide.