The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen is reminding people to stay safe during the summer heat.
Extreme heat can be dangerous and it is important to understand the dangers and be prepared, the regional district said.
Drinking plenty of water, staying cool and following recommendations from Health Canada are recommended. Taking breaks from the heat by spending a few hours in a cool place such as a swimming pool or public library, taking cool showers or baths or using a fan to stay cool are some of the steps people can take.
People are also encouraged to check on family, friends and neighbours, especially vulnerable seniors and anyone who may not be able to escape the heat.
Never leave a family member or pet inside a vehicle for any amount of time. This can be deadly during a heat wave.
Avoid walking dogs on hot pavement. If the pavement is too hot for one’s bare hand or foot after five seconds, it is likely too hot for a pet.
To learn more about pet well-being in extreme heat by visiting the B.C. SPCA website at spca.bc.ca.
Residents are encouraged to develop a plan to escape when it gets too hot to stay home and to familiarize themselves with community locations where they can cool down.
For information about how to be prepared during extreme heat, the provincial government has online information available at https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-management/preparedbc/know-your-hazards/severe-weather/extreme-heat.
The regional district has notifications available via email, text or telephone through Voyent Alert! service. To register, visit https://ca.voyent-alert.com/vras/client.html#!/registration.
Heat warnings have been issued in numerous parts of the province this weekend, and temperatures in the mid-30s and higher are forecast to begin on Sunday, July 7.
These temperatures still fall well short of the hot weather experienced during the heat dome in late June 2021, when record-breaking temperatures were observed in British Columbia and other parts of Western Canada.