[BCMA] Tips to stay safe, cool during extreme heat wave

[Moderated BCMA subscriber listserv]

Tips are taken from this article
<https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2021PSSG0043-001226>.

British Columbians are being asked to take precautions this weekend, as
Environment Canada has issued a heat warning for most of the province,
predicting a dangerous, long heatwave beginning Friday, June 25 and lasting
until Tuesday, June 29.

Environment Canada notes the record-breaking temperatures will provide
little relief at night, with elevated overnight temperatures, increasing
the risk of heat-related illnesses. HealthLink BC has these tips for
keeping cool and healthy:

   - Never leave children alone in a parked car.
   Temperatures can rise to 52 Celsius (125 Fahrenheit) 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.
   Drink extra water even before you feel thirsty and if you are active on
   a hot day. Ask your healthcare provider about how much water you should
   drink on hot days if you are on water pills or limiting your fluid intake.
   - Keep cool.
   Stay indoors in air-conditioned buildings or take a cool bath or shower.
   At temperatures above 30 C (86 F), fans alone may not be able to prevent
   heat-related illness. Sunscreen will protect against the sun’s ultraviolet
   (UV) rays, but not from the heat.
   - Plan activity before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m., when the
   sun’s UV radiation is the weakest.
   - Avoid tiring work or exercise in hot, humid environments.
   If you must work or exercise, drink two to four 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, and reapply often.
   - Wear lightweight, light-colored, 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 challenges whose judgment may be impaired.
   - Heat also affects pets.
   Never leave a pet in a parked car. Limit pets’ exercise, and be sure to
   provide them with plenty of water and shade.

Home treatment for mild heat exhaustion may include:

   - moving to a cooler environment;
   - drinking plenty of cool, non-alcoholic fluids;
   - resting; and
   - taking a cool shower or bath.

If symptoms are not mild, last longer than one hour, change, worsen or
cause concern, contact a healthcare provider.

Elevated heat also increases the risk of wildfire, and British Columbians
are being urged to do their part to prevent human-caused wildfires and help
keep communities safe. To report a wildfire, unattended campfire, or open
burning violation, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cellphone.

Learn More:

Environment Canada Public Weather Alerts for B.C.:
https://weather.gc.ca/warnings/index_e.html?prov=bc

HealthLinkBC online resources about beating the heat:
https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-feature/beat-the-heat
And heat-related illness:
www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthlinkbc-files/heat-related-illness
To ask about heat-related illness, call HealthLinkBC at 811.

BC Wildfire Service: www.bcwildfire.ca

Fire restrictions and bans: http://www.gov.bc.ca/wildfirebans

FireSmart program: www.firesmartbc.ca

PreparedBC: www.preparedbc.ca/wildfires

-- 

Lorenda Calvert
Programs Coordinator

Pronouns: she/her. To learn why pronouns are important, click here
<https://equity.ubc.ca/resources/gender-diversity/pronouns/>

The BC Museums Association office is located on the traditional, unceded
lands of the Lekwungen <https://vimeo.com/275788251> peoples (Songhees and
Xwsepsum Nations). We respect past, present, and future Indigenous stewards
and recognize that we are uninvited guests on this territory.
<https://www.google.com/maps/search/675+Belleville+Street+%7C%7C+Victoria,+BC+%7C%7C+V8W+9W2+%0D%0A+%0D%0A+Office:+250?entry=gmail&source=g>
<https://www.google.com/maps/search/675+Belleville+Street+%7C%7C+Victoria,+BC+%7C%7C+V8W+9W2+%0D%0A+%0D%0A+Office:+250?entry=gmail&source=g>



BC Museums Association || 675 Belleville Street  || Victoria, BC || V8W 9W2

museum.bc.ca <http://www.museum.bc.ca/>

Our domain has changed! Please ensure that your spam and junk filters allow
messages from @museum.bc.ca so that you won’t miss news of events and
opportunities!
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://lists.museum.bc.ca/pipermail/listserv-museum.bc.ca/attachments/20210628/8e2bb65f/attachment.html>