Environment Canada has recently issued heat warnings in areas throughout B.C.
The safety of the individuals we support and our staff is a top priority for us. Spectrum would like to remind our staff, caregivers, families and individuals to take precautions to prevent heat-related illness during extreme heat, particularly for those who may be more vulnerable to these conditions such as the elderly, people on certain medications and those with respiratory conditions.
For information on how to prevent heat related illness please visit the health link BC website here. Keep in mind these tips from Environment Canada to prevent heat illness:
- Watch for the effects of heat illness: swelling, rash, cramps, fainting, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and the worsening of some health conditions.
- Drink plenty of water even before you feel thirsty and stay in a cool place.
- Check on older family, friends and neighbours. Make sure they are cool and drinking water.
- Never leave people or pets inside a parked vehicle.
Contact your local government to find out what services are available in your area to keep cool (such as air-conditioned buildings and public splash parks).
For information on weather warnings for your area please visit Environment Canada’s public weather alert site here.
Let us know if you have any questions or concerns, and share your tips for dealing with extreme heat in your neighbourhood. Where do you go when it gets really hot?