Extreme Heat

When faced with heat events in Abbotsford during the summer, it’s important we all stay safe. Following a few key tips will help ensure you and your family members stay healthy and cooled down during a summer heat wave, sometimes referred to as extreme heat.

In B.C. there are two types of heat alerts, Heat Warning (stage 1) and Extreme Heat Emergency (stage 2). Heat alerts are issued through the BC Heat Alert and Response System (BC HARS) using the national “Alert Ready” system to broadcast warnings on mobile devices, radio and television.

Heat Warning: Daytime and overnight temperatures are higher than seasonal norms and holding steady
Extreme Heat Emergency: Daytime and overnight temperatures are higher than seasonal norms and getting hotter every day

Extreme heat events (or 'heat waves') are complex health emergencies. The more protective measures you take, the safer you'll be – especially important if you have one or more risk factors. For more information on heat-related illness, please call BC HealthLink at 811, or visit preparedbc.ca/ExtremeHeat.

Heat Warning (Stage 1)

A Heat Warning (Stage 1) means daytime and overnight temperatures are higher than usual, but they are not getting hotter every day. In Abbotsford, this means a daytime high of 33 C and an overnight low of 17 C for two or more consecutive days. When a Heat Warning is issued by BC Heat Alert and Response System (BC HARS) residents can follow the below tips for staying safe during a heat event.

- Check on others: Remember to check regularly on family members and neighbours, particularly seniors and those who are housebound. People living alone are at high risk of severe heat related illness. Check regularly on older people, and those who are unable to leave their homes, for signs of heat-related illness.
- Stay hydrated: Drink cool non-alcoholic beverages (preferably water) irrespective of your activity intake. Don’t wait until you are thirsty. Seniors, people with medical conditions such as heart problems and breathing problems, athletes, and children should take extra care to stay hydrated and cool during extended periods of heat.
- Stay cool: Plan ahead and stay out of the sun as much as possible.
- Plan activities for the early morning and after sunset. If you are out during the day, wear sunscreen, dress in lightweight clothing and find shade in parks with tree shade. Peak hours during a heat wave are between 12 and 4pm. Avoid strenuous activities.
- Never leave any children or pets inside parked vehicles.
- Seek out an air-conditioned facility (such as a shopping centre, library, community centre, restaurant, or a residence of friends or family).
- Visit one of Abbotsford’s public pools or spray parks or take a cool bath or shower.
  Spud Murphy Spray Park at 32285 Hillcrest Avenue
  
  Mill Lake Spray Park at 2310 Emerson Street
  
  Shadbolt Park Spray Park at 36086 Shadbolt Avenue

Extreme Heat Emergency (Stage 2)

An Extreme Heat Emergency (Stage 2) alert means the daytime and overnight temperatures are higher than usual, and they are getting hotter for three or more consecutive days. In Abbotsford, this means the average high temperature is predicted to reach 36 C or higher. When an Extreme Heat Alert is issued, it means it is time to activate your emergency plan.

- Review the Provincial Extreme Heat Preparedness Guide
- Check on others: Remember to check regularly on family members and neighbours, particularly seniors and those who are housebound. People living alone are at high risk of severe heat related illness. Check regularly on older people, and those who are unable to leave their homes, for signs of heat-related illness.
- Stay hydrated: Drink cool non-alcoholic beverages (preferably water) irrespective of your activity intake. Don’t wait until you are thirsty. Seniors, people with medical conditions such as heart problems and breathing problems, athletes, and children should take extra care to stay hydrated and cool during extended periods of heat.
- Keep cool: Plan ahead and stay out of the sun as much as possible.
- Plan activities for the early morning and after sunset. If you are out during the day, wear sunscreen, dress in lightweight clothing and find shade in parks with tree shade. Peak hours during a heat wave are between 12 and 4pm. Avoid strenuous activities.
- Never leave any children or pets inside parked vehicles.
- Seek out an air-conditioned facility (such as a shopping centre, library, community centre, restaurant, or a residence of friends or family).
- Visit a Cooling Centre to take a break from the heat (open whenever an Extreme Heat Emergency Alert is issued)
  Abbotsford Recreation Centre at 2499 McMillan Rd (Monday – Sunday 5:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
  
  Matsqui Recreation Centre at 3106 Clearbrook Rd (Monday – Saturday 6:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m., Sunday 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.)
  
  Abbotsford Community Library at 33355 Bevan Ave (Monday – Thursday 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. | Friday- Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.| Sunday 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.)
  
  Clearbrook Library at 32320 George Ferguson Way (Monday – Thursday 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. | Friday – Sunday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.)
  
  Mt. Lehman Library at 5875 Mt. Lehman Road (Tuesday – Friday 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.)
  
  The Reach Gallery Museum at 32388 Veterans Way (Tuesday – Friday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Saturdays 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.)
- Visit one of Abbotsford’s public pools or spray parks or take a cool bath or shower.
  Spud Murphy Spray Park at 32285 Hillcrest Avenue
  
  Mill Lake Spray Park at 2310 Emerson Street
  
  Shadbolt Park Spray Park at 36086 Shadbolt Avenue

Where to cool down in the City

When faced with heat events in Abbotsford during the summer, it is important we all stay cool, in order to stay safe. Cooling Centers are part of the City’s Extreme Heat Response Plan and open throughout the summer as needed.

- Abbotsford Recreation Centre at 2499 McMillan Rd (Monday – Sunday 5:30 am – 10 pm)
- Matsqui Recreation Centre at 3106 Clearbrook Rd (Monday – Saturday 6 am – 10 pm, Sunday 10 am - 8 am)
- Abbotsford Community Library at 33355 Bevan Ave (Monday – Thursday 9 am – 8 pm | Friday- Saturday 10 am – 5 pm| Sunday 1 pm – 5 pm)
- Clearbrook Library at 32320 George Ferguson Way (Monday – Thursday 9 am – 8 pm | Friday – Sunday 10 am – 5 pm)
- Mt. Lehman Library at 5875 Mt. Lehman Road (Tuesday – Friday 1 pm – 5 pm)
- The Reach Gallery Museum at 32388 Veterans Way (Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday 10 am – 5 pm | Thursday 10 am - 8 pm | Saturdays 12 pm – 5 pm)
Additional Cooling Centres are opened as needed
- Spud Murphy Spray Park at 32285 Hillcrest Avenue
- Mill Lake Spray Park at 2310 Emerson Street
- Shadbolt Park Spray Park at 36086 Shadbolt Avenue
- Check on others: Remember to check regularly on family members and neighbours, particularly seniors and those who are housebound. People living alone are at high risk of severe heat related illness. Check regularly on older people, and those who are unable to leave their homes, for signs of heat-related illness.
- Stay hydrated: Drink cool non-alcoholic beverages (preferably water) irrespective of your activity intake. Don’t wait until you are thirsty. Seniors, people with medical conditions such as heart problems and breathing problems, athletes, and children should take extra care to stay hydrated and cool during extended periods of heat.
- Keep cool: Plan ahead and stay out of the sun as much as possible.
- Plan activities for the early morning and after sunset. If you are out during the day, wear sunscreen, dress in lightweight clothing and find shade in parks with tree shade. Peak hours during a heat wave are between 12 and 4pm. Avoid strenuous activities.
- Never leave any children or pets behind inside parked vehicles.
- Seek out an air-conditioned facility (such as a shopping centre, library, community centre, restaurant, or a residence of friends or family).

Help

If you require emergency services, call 9-1-1 for police, fire and ambulance assistance.

Resources & Links

The links below also provide specific information on dealing with heat.

Alternatives During Canada Post Service Disruption

Extreme Heat Emergency