Prepare in June – Beat the Heat Preparedness

Heat is not uncommon through the summer months, but when the temperatures are going to be extremely hot, there is usually 3-4 days of warning before these extreme heat days arrive.  Here are some tips to help prepare for extreme heat days.

• Relocate to a cooler location
• Locate the coolest room in your home and reconfigure it for everyday living
• Pick a friend or loved one to become your Heat Buddy.  Check-in with them often to make sure they're doing well
• Put up external window covers to block the sun 
• Close your curtains and blinds
• Make ice and prepare jugs of cool water
• Keep doors and windows closed during the hottest time of the day - usually 10 am-8 pm
• Use damp towels and cloths to help cool you down
• Sleep with a damp/wet sheet or in a wet shirt to keep your body cool at night
• Drink plenty of water, regardless if you feel thirsty or not
• Take cool baths and showers or foot baths to draw hat from your body
• If you have air conditioning – use it – use the timer to start it part way through the day to start cooling your home BEFORE it gets too hot. 
• Wear season-appropriate clothing - no nylons (stockings), wear breathable fabrics

Stay cool outside:

• Reduce your activity level on these extremely hot days – exercise in the early morning or late in the day
• Look for a shaded area and avoid direct sunlight
• Seek cooler breezier areas when possible when you’re outside
• Don’t leave pets and children outside in extreme heat temperatures

If you feel too hot, feel ill due to the heat

• Seek medical help immediately 
• Move to a cooler indoor or outdoor area out of the direct sun and heat
• Take a cool shower or bath if safe to do so
• Apply cool wet cloths around your neck, armpits, and groin regularly
   

Where are your home’s cool zones? 

• Some areas in your home stay cooler than others. Check for these locations and prepare to stay in the coolest part of your residence.
• Identify the room that is typically the coolest and be prepared to stay there.  Modify the layout to make it comfortable to support sleep and daily living activities during an extreme heat event.

Get to know your neighbourhood and identify other places you can go to cool down.

• In Abbotsford, during extreme heat, the recreation centres are open to the public to cool down.  Check out the libraries, movie theaters, shopping malls, the local community church, and parks with lots of shade.
• Make a plan with friends and family who have air conditioning if you don’t and plan to visit with them to help keep cool.
• Make a list that includes the Location Name, address, and phone number and include it in your Emergency Kit and your Emergency Plan.

Cool Down Places  List Template

Identify an Extreme Heat Buddy

If you live on your own, find someone to be your Heat Buddy.  Your heat buddy should be someone who can take you to a cooling centre if you get overheated.  Check-in with them often to let them know you're ok.  Make sure to ask them if they're well and staying cool too. 

Preparing your home with a few key adjustments can greatly enhance your comfort during the hot season.

Indoors:

• Install a window air condition in at least one room, ensuring it’s adequate to cool that space
• Install thermal curtains 
• Keep an indoor digital thermometer around to provide accurate temperature 
• Have fans available to help move cooler air during late evening and early morning hours

Outdoors:

• Install exterior covers or reflective films that block the sun from hitting the windows
   

Heat Warning - Daytime and overnight temperatures are higher than seasonal norms and holding steady – Take usual steps to stay cool

Extreme Heat Emergency – Daytime and overnight temperatures are higher than seasonal norms and get hotter every day.  Activate your emergency plan – where is your cool place, check in with your buddy, etc.

Where to get up-to-date info on temperature and weather – listen to the local news broadcasts, and check out the City’s website it will let you know if we enter an extreme heat emergency.