The District of Squamish has set up two cooling centres in town for residents to beat the heat, following an extreme heat warning from Environment Canada.
The centres, established at the recommendation of Vancouver Coastal Health, are located in the Black Tusk Room at the Brennan Park Recreation Centre, and will be open today, June 25; Saturday, June 26; and Sunday, June 27, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and in the Great Room at the 55 Activity Centre, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. June 25 through Tuesday, June 29.
“We recognize that there are individuals in our community without the means to find or create a cool, comfortable space within their own surroundings or may be more vulnerable to the impacts of extreme heat,” said Squamish Mayor Karen Elliott in a release. “I am asking all Squamish citizens to look out for their neighbours and loved ones so that all members of our community feel like they have a space to find relief while these high temperatures persist, particularly those with underlying conditions and older members of our community.”
The District is following all COVID-19 health protocols and “will adhere hygiene, cleaning and ventilation protocols,” the release went on.
The release also offered tips on preventing heat-related illness:
· Never leave children alone in a parked car. Temperatures can rise to 52 Celsius (125 Fahrenheit) within 20 minutes inside a vehicle when the outside temperature is 34 C (93 F). Leaving the car windows slightly open will not keep the inside of the vehicle at a safe temperature.
· Drink plenty of fluids.
· Plan your outdoor activity before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m., when the sun’s UV radiation is the weakest.
· Avoid tiring work or exercise in hot, humid environments. If you must work or exercise, drink two to four glasses of non-alcoholic fluids each hour. Rest breaks are important and should be taken in the shade.
· Avoid sunburn. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher on exposed skin and an SPF 30 lip balm.
· Wear lightweight, light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing and a wide brimmed hat, or use an umbrella for shade.
· Regularly check older adults, children and others for signs of heat-related illness and make sure they are keeping cool and drinking plenty of fluids. Check on those who are unable to leave their homes, and people with emotional or mental health concerns whose judgment may be impaired.
The Sea to Sky should prepare for a scorcher of a week, with daytime highs in the forecast ranging from 29 to 38 C, combined with overnight lows of 18 to 21 C, until at least Wednesday, June 30. Humidex values during the period will reach the high 30s to possibly the low 40s, according to Environment Canada.
