Rising temps this week prompt warning

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, July 25, 2022

Environment Canada has issued a heat warning (alert level one) this week as part of the BC Provincial Health Alert and Response System (BC HARS). Under the BC HARS response system, a heat warning is issued when temperatures reach 35 C and evening lows of 18 C in the interior region.

Living in the Central Okanagan, we are accustomed to hot sunny weather, but with sustained temperatures from 35 to 40 degrees C with little reprieve of cooler evening air temperatures, it is important to keep cool and stay aware.

West Kelowna community can take action to ensure they have what they need in advance of unforeseen events, such as a power outage, air conditioning failure, or lack of cool spaces. Tips include identify cool locations inside and outside of your home, ways to cool down and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water even when you are not thirsty. Connect with family members and friends who may be more susceptible to heat illness including seniors, children, people with underlying health conditions and domestic pets who do not have access to air conditioning. To get started, visit the Prepared BC’s guide for tips and advice at Prepared BC: Household Preparedness Guide.

The City is prepared to assist in an extreme heat emergency for our community with the identification of indoor and outdoor cooling stations and the collection of a centralized list of tips and resources to help keep our community safe in persistent extreme heat. To receive timely updates directly to your inbox, sign up for updates at westkelownacity.ca/subscribe.

For information and tips about how to manage during the heat, visit PreparedBC or westkelownacity.ca/extreme-heat.