With temperatures on the rise later this week, the city of Port Moody is taking steps to allow its residents to escape the worst of the heat.
Two cooling centres will be opened beginning Thursday, to Saturday, to provide residents air conditioned comfort. The centres, at the galleria in city hall (100 Newport Dr.), and the neighbouring recreation centre (300 Ioco Rd.), will be open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m..
As well, misting tents and temporary watering stations will be set up in several city parks, including:
- Old Orchard Park (630 Alderside Rd.)
- Pioneer Memorial Park (275 Knowle St.)
- PoMo Rotary SK8 Park (2910 Murray St.)
- Westhill Park (203 Westhill Pl.)
A weather advisory issued Tuesday by Environment and Climate Change Canada said daytime highs along the south coast are expected to rise 3 to 5 C as the weekend approaches, reaching the low 30’s inland. Overnight temperatures are also going to stay up in the mid-teens.
A scorching heat wave in late June that sent thermometers into the 40-degree range resulted in a four-fold increase in sudden deaths reported in the Fraser Health region and the BC Coroners Service launched an investigation to find out how the province might have prepared better for the oven-like conditions.
Delays in getting emergency help to people suffering in the heat also prompted an immediate plan to hire dozens of new full-time paramedics and dispatchers as well as increase ambulance services in several rural communities.
The heat, which broke dozens of long-standing weather records in British Columbia, resulted in a run on fans and air conditioners in shops as well as overnight stays in cool hotel rooms. Some businesses, like restaurants and craft breweries, even shuttered their doors so staff wouldn’t have to work in stifling conditions.
According to Port Moody’s website, ways to cope with hot weather include:
- drink plenty of cool fluids
- avoid being outside at the hottest time of the day
- seek out air-conditioned spaces
- wear a hat and light, loose-fitting clothing
- apply sunscreen if you’re going outside
- slow down your activities
- take lots of breaks in a cool or shady area
- don’t leave children or pets in hot vehicles
