[Resource] Extreme Heat Preparedness Guide

Click HERE to view the Extreme Head Preparedness Guide

An Extreme Heat Emergency is when daytime and nighttime temperatures get hotter every day and are well above seasonal norms. Extreme heat is dangerous for the health and wellbeing of our communities and is responsible for the highest number of weather-related deaths annually. 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.

Climate change connection

B.C. is experiencing higher annual summer temperatures and more extremely hot days due to climate change. Western Canada is already on average one to two degrees warmer than it was in the 1940s (source: Canada in a Changing Climate; Government of Canada).

• This trend increases the likelihood for more extreme heat events like the heat dome experienced in 2021, making it more critical for people to understand the risk, prepare for these conditions, and know where to access support.

Read this guide to learn what to do before, during & after heat events. The guide is available in multiple languages including:

• English
• French
• Punjabi
• Simplified Chinese
• Traditional Chinese