ENDS: Heat warning issued for Fort Nelson. August 30, 2023

This alert has expired.

Heat warning Ended by Environment and Climate Change Canada:

On this page:

Recommended actions

If you are in an area under a heat warning:

1. Recognize the Symptoms of heat-related illness Seek medical care if you or someone you care for is sick:
   • Call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number in case of a medical emergency.
2. Take steps to Keep your home cool Or look for cooler locations, e.g Community cooling center
3. Check on family, friends and neighbors who are in High risk of heat-related illnessEspecially if they live alone.
4. drink a lot of water. Be aware that sugary or alcoholic drinks cause dehydration.
5. If you must be outdoors, Take precautions to stay calm Such as wearing protective clothing and sunscreen, seeking cooler outdoor spaces and staying in shaded areas as much as possible.
6. Monitor local information sources and follow all instructions received from Your municipality, local authority or First Nation.

Cooling centers

In response to heat warnings, local governments and First Nations in affected areas may open cooling centers to the public.

Cooling center locations are listed on BC’s emergency map. If cooling centers are not listed on the map in your area, visit for you municipality, local authority or First Nation website Or social media channels for more information.

Thermal safety

Heatstroke is a health emergency. Call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number If you or someone you care for develops symptoms.

Heat-related illnesses

Overheating can be harmful to your health and possibly fatal. If someone is suffering symptoms Such as rapid breathing, rapid heartbeat, extreme thirst, altered levels of consciousness, and decreased urination with an unusually dark yellow color, take immediate steps to cool down and seek emergency care:

• Get medical care or call 911 or your local emergency number.
• Move to a cooler indoor or outdoor area.
• Take a cold shower or bath if it is safe to do so. Or remove clothing and apply ice packs and wet clothing, especially around the neck, armpits and groin. Replace wet clothes regularly.

Who is at greater risk?

Heat affects everyone, but the risks are greatest for:

• Older people (i.e. over 50 years old)
• People who live alone or are socially isolated
• People with pre-existing health conditions such as:
  • Diabetes
  • Heart disease, or
  • respiratory system diseases
• People suffering from mental illnesses such as:
  • schizophrenia
  • Depression, or
  • anxiety
• People with substance use disorders
• People who live marginally
• People who work in hot environments
• Pregnant people
• Infants, young children, and
• People with other disabilities or limited mobility

Check on family members, friends and neighbors, who are at higher risk, especially if they live alone. Make sure they have a cool space. For heat-exposed people, the risk increases at indoor temperatures above 26°C, and temperatures above 31°C can be dangerous.

Stay cool inside

• If you have air conditioning, turn it on.
• If you don’t have air conditioning, make your home cooler by:
  • Close shutters, blinds or blinds during the day (starting around 10am). This traps the cold air inside and blocks the sun.
  • Reopen curtains or blinds and windows around 8pm to allow cool air into the house throughout the night.
  • Place several fans around your home to help move cool air into the house throughout the night.
• Take cool baths or showers.

Stay cool outdoors

• Find cooler outdoor spaces and stay out of direct sunlight as much as possible.
• Run errands in the morning or late in the day.
• Never leave children or pets in a parked car.
• Stay in the shade and wear a hat and protective clothing.
• Use sunscreen and UV-protective glasses.
• Look for cooler, breezy areas when you’re outside, such as large parks near trees and water.

resources

To prepare for the heat, check out the following resources:

For heat safety recommendations specific to your area, visit heat information provided by your local health authority:

If you suspect a heat-related illness, contact your health care provider or call HealthLinkBC at 8-1-1. Mild to moderate heat illness can quickly become severe. In case of a medical emergency, call 9-1-1.

About heat alerts

There are two types of heat alerts issued in British Columbia:

• Heat warning: Daytime and nighttime temperatures are higher than normal, but it doesn’t get hotter every day. Take the usual steps to stay calm.
• Extreme heat emergencies: Daytime and nighttime temperatures are higher than normal, and getting hotter every day. Activate your heat emergency plan.

For more information on how Environment and Climate Change Canada determines heat warnings in British Columbia, visit the General Weather Alert Standards.