When a Heat Warning Is Issued By Environment Canada
Stay cool with these useful tips:
- Be mindful of your sun exposure; temperatures and UV index are the highest between 10 am and 4 pm.
- If you are not planning to be outdoors, seek cooler, shaded areas such as large parks near water with many trees.
- Don't push yourself too hard. Rest and relax often if you feel tired.
- Drink plenty of water to keep your body temperature from rising
- Wear lightweight, light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing to protect from the sun.
- Stock up on sun/heat safety items such as sunscreen (30+ SPF), water bottles, sunglasses, sun hats, umbrellas, wading pools, spritz bottles, hand-held fans, and other items to help you cool down.
- Cook food in a microwave or outdoor barbeque to avoid adding extra heat to your home. Avoid appliances that add heat to your home like stoves, ovens, dishwashers, and dryers. Even smaller items such as laptops and toasters can contribute to rising temperatures.
- Some medications may increase sun sensitivity and the risk of burns. Always check your medication's information sheet before spending too much time outside.
- NEVER leave children or pets alone in a parked car. Temperatures can rise to 52°C within 20 minutes in an enclosed vehicle when the outside temperature is 34°C. Leaving the car windows slightly open or “cracked” will NOT keep the inside of the vehicle at a safe temperature.
- If you see a child in a hot car under conditions that may pose reasonable concern, please call 9-1-1 immediately! If you see an animal in the same situation, call the Langley Animal Protection Society at 604.857.5055 from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm. For after-hours, call the RCMP Non-Emergency line at 604.532.3200.
Know the Signs of Heat-Related Illnesses
Exposure to high temperatures and/or humidity can cause heat-related illnesses. Know the signs and symptoms, so you and your loved ones can promptly seek help.
Review the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses.
Anyone experiencing heat exhaustion (i.e. skin rash, excessive sweating, extreme thirst, headache) should move to a cool place and drink water. However, if you are experiencing symptoms of heat stroke (i.e. high body temperature, fainting, confusion, lack of coordination), please seek immediate medical attention and call 9-1-1 immediately.
Downloadable and Printable Resource:
- Cool off in one of the City's spray parks.
- City Park
- Douglas Park
- Nicholas Park
- Book a session at Al Anderson Memorial Pool (4949 207 Street)
- Escape the heat at Timms Community Centre (20399 Douglas Crescent)
- Visit the City of Langley Library (20399 Douglas Crescent)
- In the morning or early evening, enjoy shaded areas in one of the City’s many parks
- Brydon Park (shaded areas, trees and benches, drinking fountains)
- City Park (shade areas, trees, covered picnic shelters, spray park)
- Conder Park (shaded picnic tables and benches)
- Douglas Park (shaded areas, trees and picnic tables, spray park, drinking fountains)
- Hunter Park (shaded benches)
- Iris Mooney Park (shaded areas and trees)
- Nicholas Park (shaded areas/trees, spray park, drinking fountains)
- Nicomekl Trail (shaded areas, trees, canopied areas with benches throughout)
- Penzer Park (drinking fountains)
- Portage Park (shade trees and benches and covered picnic area)
- Rotary Park (shaded areas and trees)
- Sendall Gardens (shaded trees, benches and picnic table)
- Uplands Dog Off-Leash Park (shaded trees, drinking fountains)
NOTE: Opening dates and hours vary by location. Please call ahead for more information.
- Nearby Regional Parks:
High temperatures in your home pose the greatest risk during extreme heat. Use the following tips to mitigate your risk of heat-related illnesses:
- Close your blinds/curtains to block the sun during the day and open your blinds/curtains at night to let the heat escape and allow cooler air into the room.
- Tip: Light-coloured curtains can reflect the sun while dark curtains will hold onto the heat. Those with south- or west-facing windows can use sun reflectors to deflect sunlight.
- Take a cool shower or mist yourself and your clothing with cool water to help prevent yourself from overheating.
- If you have air conditioning, use it to make the indoor heat bearable - but do not over-cool yourself.
- Stay in the coolest room in your home and use a fan. Heat rises, so the ground floor or basement will usually be the cooler spot in a home.
- Keep cool, drinkable water and ice in your fridge and freezer for drinking or as an ice pack.
- Tip: place a fan across the pan of ice water to create a cool breeze.
- If it's too hot indoors, spend time outside during the day and/or night. Visit the City's mall, movie theatres, coffee shops, restaurants, and more to escape the heat.
- Consider using a small thermometer to monitor the indoor temperature, watch for any temperature changes, and act accordingly.
Remember to check in on your friends, family, neighbours, and those who are most vulnerable!
Check in with friends, family, and neighbours, particularly those who are elderly, socially isolated, have pre-existing conditions, or have mobility challenges, as they may be less prepared for the heat and are at a higher risk for heat-related illnesses or even death.
For more information on how to stay safe in the heat, visit Fraser Health.
Our pets are also at risk of heat-related illnesses during the hotter months, here are some tips to keep them safe.
While outdoors:
- Limit exercise on hot days; adjust the intensity and duration of the exercise or limit the exercise to early mornings and evening hours when the temperature has cooled. And always, take short breaks often.
- Provide ample shade and water; find shaded areas in parks, bring an umbrella, a battery-powered mini fan, and bottled water on your walks.
- Be mindful of burnt paws. Asphalt gets very hot, so walk your pet on the grass, if possible.
- Consider purchasing a specialized cooling banada or cooling vest, so that they do not overheat.
- NEVER leave your pet(s) alone in a parked car. This can be life-threatening and cause death in very little time. Leave your pet at home if you are running errands.
While Indoors:
- Keep pets out of direct sunlight and with a lot of fresh, cool drinking water.
- Tip: Add a couple of ice cubes to the water to keep it cool longer.
- Consider purchasing an air conditioning unit, and/or add multiple fans throughout your home to circulate air.
- Make a frozen treat bowl of their favourite kibble or treats in a bowl of frozen water.
- Take a spray bottle or cool, damp cloth and lightly wet your pet's coat to prevent them from getting too hot.
Pets are more susceptible to heat stroke due to their lower heat tolerance.
Signs of heatstroke in pets can include:
- Excessive panting (or sudden stopping of panting)
- Muscle twitching or lack of coordination
- Anxious or dazed look
- Rapid pulse
- Weakness
- Increased drooling
- Vomiting and/or diarrhea
If you think your pet is suffering from heatstroke: move them to a cool, shaded place and use a cool damp towel to try to lower their body temperature, Try to keep them hydrated and fan them to promote evaporation. Contact your veterinarian as soon as possible for further guidance.
Call For Help
If you see an animal in a hot car under conditions that may pose reasonable concern, please call the Langley Animal Protection Society at 604.857.5055 or call 9-1-1 in an emergency.
In recent years, the lower mainland has been experiencing more poor air quality days typically associated with annual wildfires that will continue to grow in intensity and duration. The increase in temperature during the summer months has also led to increased ground-level ozone that can impact humans, animals, and plant respiration.
A high concentration of air pollution can cause:
- Irritation of the eyes and throat
- Burning sensations and tightness in the chest
- Reduced lung function, resulting in shortness of breath
- Coughing and/or wheezing
- Increased symptoms of existing respiratory conditions such as asthma
Frequent exposure to air pollution can raise your risk of:
- Asthma
- Chronic Bronchitis
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Lung cancer
- Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
- Heart attach
While air pollution affects everyone, there are some groups more at risk than others:
- Seniors (65+)
- Children
- Individuals with respiratory conditions, such as asthma
- Individuals with existing illnesses and diseases, such as lung disease and COPD
- Individuals with heart disease
- Individuals who are pregnant
Protect Yourself From Poor Air Quality
Metro Vancouver monitors the latest air quality and weather data from 31 stations in the Lower Fraser Valley and publishes it on AirMap.ca and issues are quality notices when the air quality becomes harmful.
- Check the webpage often for updates on the AirQuality Health Index
- Sign up to receive direct air quality advisories and notices by email.
On the days the air quality is moderate to very high risk:
- Check AirMap.ca for updates
- Reduce the time spent outdoors
- Wear an N95 mask or only use masks with a filter if you need to go outdoors
- Keep windows and doors closed when you are at home
- Set your air conditioning unit to recirculate
- Consider purchasing an air purifier