District will open cooling centres at Brennan Park Recreation Centre and The 55 Activity Centre to offer relief from extreme heat 

The District of Squamish is following the Vancouver Coastal Health recommendation of providing two cooling centres to support Squamish residents during the current extreme heat warning issued by Environment Canada.

The centres will be located at the following facilities: 

Brennan Park Recreation Centre (Black Tusk Room)

Friday, June 25 - 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturday, June 26 - 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sunday, June 27 - 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

 

The 55 Activity Centre (Great Room) 

Friday, June 25 - 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday, June 26 - 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday, June 27 - 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Monday, June 28 - 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tuesday, June 29 - 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

 “We recognize that there are individuals in our community without the means to find or create a cool, comfortable space within their own surroundings or may be more vulnerable to the impacts of extreme heat,” says District of Squamish Mayor Karen Elliott. “I am asking all Squamish citizens to look out for their neighbours and loved ones so that all members of our community feel like they have a space to find relief while these high temperatures persist, particularly those with underlying conditions and older members of our community."

 The District is following the BC Centre For Disease Control guidance for community cooling centres in the context of COVID-19 and will adhere to all hygiene, cleaning and ventilation protocols. 

Heat-related illness 

Extreme hot weather can pose a serious and immediate public health risk. Please practice the following to reduce your risk of heat-related illness: 

  • Never leave children alone in a parked car. Temperatures can rise to 52°C (125°F) within 20 minutes inside a vehicle when the outside temperature is 34° C (93°F). Leaving the car windows slightly open will not keep the inside of the vehicle at a safe temperature.
  • Drink plenty of fluids. 
  • Plan your outdoor activity before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m., when the sun’s Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the weakest.
  • Avoid tiring work or exercise in hot, humid environments. If you must work or exercise, drink 2 to 4 glasses of non-alcoholic fluids each hour. Rest breaks are important and should be taken in the shade.
  • Avoid sunburn. Use a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher on exposed skin and an SPF 30 lip balm.
  • Wear lightweight, light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing and a wide brimmed hat, or use an umbrella for shade.
  • Regularly check older adults, children and others for signs of heat-related illness and make sure they are keeping cool and drinking plenty of fluids. Check on those who are unable to leave their homes, and people with emotional or mental health concerns whose judgment may be impaired.

For more information and heat related resources, visit the Vancouver Coastal Health website at vch.ca/public-health/environmental-health-inspections/healthy-built-environment/climate-change/extreme-heat.

To view the Environment Canada forecasts and weather warnings, visit https://weather.gc.ca/marine/forecast_e.html?mapID=02&siteID=06400.

 

June 25, 2021

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