Public Notice

Heat Warning Information

As summer nears, it is important to remember how unpredictable weather has become due to climate change. Recent years have seen hotter summers. Please review the information below.

What is extreme heat/heat warning?

Extreme Heat Emergency occurs when temperatures reach 33°C+ during the day and 17°C+ at night for 3 days. Warnings are issued by Environment Canada and the Province of BC.

Those who are at risk

• Elders/seniors over the age of 65.
• People who live alone.
• People with preexisting health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and respiratory disease.
• People with mental illness such as depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia.
• People who work outdoors or in a hot environment.
• People who are pregnant.
• Infants and children.
• People with limited mobility.

If you live alone or have limited mobility

• Ask someone to check in on you and help you stay cool, moving fans/opening windows/installing air conditioning units etc. to cool down your home.

Home cool zones

• During an extreme heat emergency/heat warning stay in the coolest part of your home and/or keep that room cool by using an air conditioning unit.

Preparing your home

• Install A/C in at least one room, or stay with someone who has it, or go to a public cool space.
• Use thermal curtains or window coverings.
• Keep a digital thermometer; 31°C indoors is dangerous for vulnerable people.
• Use fans in the early morning/evening, but do not rely on them alone.
• Cover windows from the outside (e.g., with cardboard) to block the sun.

If you have any questions, please contact:

Bonnie Nickel at 604-795-0297 or by email bonnie@seabirdisland.ca

Navinder Gill at 604-798-3871 or by email navinder.gill@seabirdisland.ca

Nutrition-Based Ways to Stay Cool

Hydration Tips:

1. Water – Stay consistently hydrated, even if you do not feel thirsty.
2. Infused Water – Add mint, cucumber, lemon, or berries for a refreshing twist.
3. Coconut Water – Naturally rich in electrolytes like potassium, sodium, and magnesium.
4. Iced Herbal Teas – Peppermint, chamomile, or hibiscus are cooling and hydrating options.

Cooling Foods to Eat:

Focus on foods high in water content and easy to digest

Fruits:

• Watermelon – 92% water; naturally cooling and rich in lycopene
• Cantaloupe & Honeydew
• Berries
• Pineapple – Contains bromelain, which may reduce inflammation
• Citrus Fruits – Oranges, lemons, and limes

Vegetables:

• Cucumber – Extremely hydrating and cooling
• Celery
• Lettuce & Leafy Greens
• Zucchini, Radishes, and Tomatoes

Fun, Cooling Snacks (Child Friendly):

• Frozen Fruit Pops – Blend watermelon, strawberries, or mango with a splash of coconut water and freeze in molds. Add chunks of fruit for extra fun!
• Yogurt Parfaits or Frozen Yogurt Bites – Layer Greek yogurt with berries and granola in a cup, or freeze spoonsful on a tray with fruit for bite-size treats.
• Smoothie Time! – Let kids help “build their smoothie” with banana, berries, spinach (they will not taste it!), and almond or oat milk. Freeze leftovers into popsicles.
• Fruit Kebabs – Skewer pieces of melon, grapes, pineapple, and berries. Serve cold for a juicy, colorful snack.
• Cucumber “Boats” – Cut cucumber in half, scoop out a little of the center, and fill with hummus, yogurt dip, or soft cheese.