Climate change is leading to higher summer temperatures and hotter days in Pitt Meadows. This can cause Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) to issue heat warnings for heat events that are dangerous to public health and well-being. There are many steps you can take in advance to prepare for heat events. The City’s Emergency Program is also prepared to ensure Pitt Meadows residents are comfortable should heat warnings come into effect during the summer.
Preparing for hot weather
During Heat Warnings
Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke
Heat impacts some people more than others. People over 65, with health conditions, who use substances, are on certain medications, are pregnant, or young children may need extra care.
Neighbour Check-ins
During hot weather, arrange to check on vulnerable neighbours, friends, and family members several times a day, especially in the evening. Community members can help increase outreach to heat-vulnerable people who live outside of healthcare or community care settings and may not be connected to support services.
If you know someone in your neighbourhood who lives alone or who is elderly or disabled, plan a plan to check on them during heat events.
Air Quality and Heat Events
During hot weather, air quality may be affected by a high concentration of ozone or particulate matter, especially if there are wildfires burning nearby. Heat and pollution affect your body in different ways, and may compound the effects of both for some people. Overall, heat poses a greater risk than smoke for most people, so prioritize staying cool if needed.
What you can do:
- Check in on others who may be more affected. People at higher risk include those with lung, heart or other chronic conditions, pregnant people, infants, children, older adults and outdoor workers.
- Improve indoor air quality. Use portable HEPA air cleaners or do-it-yourself box fan air cleaners. If your home has a built-in ventilation system, install filters rated MERV 13 or higher to remove smoke. If possible, adjust the ventilation system to reduce air pollution coming indoors.
- Keep windows and doors closed while running air filtration. If it’s hot, focus on staying cool.
- Spend time in places with air conditioning if your home is smoky or too hot. Try community centres, libraries, or malls.
- Seek medical help if you experience severe symptoms such as wheezing, chest pain, trouble breathing or severe cough. Call 911 in emergencies.
- Manage chronic conditions and carry rescue medications with you (e.g. inhalers).
- If you must be outside, a well-fitted N95, KN95, or KF94 mask offers the most protection. Medical masks offer some protection and single layer coverings (e.g. bandanas, scarfs, shirts) offer none.
- Check the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) often throughout the day because conditions can change quickly. See airmap.ca or gov.bc.ca/airqualitymap.
- Sign up for air quality alerts at metrovancouver.org/aqalerts
What the City will do during Heat Warnings
The City’s Emergency Support Services (ESS) is prepared to ensure Pitt Meadows residents are safe and comfortable in the event of heat warnings. Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) uses a 3-colour system to inform of the risk and severity of issued weather alerts, including heat events. The criteria for ECCC to declare a Yellow Warning – heat (the lowest level) in Pitt Meadows is consecutive daytime temperatures over 32/33 degrees and overnight temperatures over 15 degrees, with the forecast indicating a duration of 2 or more consecutive days. Escalating warnings (Orange or Red) may be issued as the event progresses, which indicate a heightened need for awareness and response actions.
In the event of an ESS Activation for emergency weather events, information will be posted to the City website and social media, including the Emergency Alerts section and Notices. You may also receive emergency alerts via smartphone from the Government of B.C. Residents should also sign up for local emergency alerts from the City via Voyent Alert!