New Measures Being Brought in to Protect British Columbians During Extreme Heat Events

New measures are being brought in to better protect British Columbians and communities during extreme heat waves such as last year’s Heat Dome.

Under the BC Heat Alert and Response System, the province is launching a new heat-related emergency alert system, as well as bolstering emergency response.

That system will feature two levels of alerts: heat warnings, and extreme heat emergencies.

In the event of an extreme heat emergency, the province will issue alerts through their Alert Ready system, similar to tsunamis and wildfires.

During an extreme heat event, Emergency Health Service’s new Clinical Safety Plan will improve their ability to adequately respond.

Under that plan, capacity will be increased, staff will be redirected to areas with increased volume, and alternate care pathways and transportation options will be utilized to free up ambulances.

For the Northwest, a heat warning will be issued after two consecutive days of daytime highs over 28 degrees, or nighttime lows of 13 degrees.

An extreme heat emergency will be issued when those criteria are met, and temperatures are still forecasted to substantially increase for three or more days.

You can find more information on the criteria at this link.