The first extended run of hot weather has arrived, with Environment Canada calling for at least a week of daytime highs in the 30 degree range. (File photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Ian Holmes

heating up

Prolonged heatwave arrives, be cautious: Island Health

Jul 4, 2024 | 5:24 AM

NANAIMO — An extended run of hot, dry weather settling into the mid-Island region will be welcomed by many, but officials say these conditions could lead to poor health outcomes.

Island Health medical health officer. Dr. Murray Fyfe said daytime high temperatures of around 30 degrees for at least a week starting Thursday, July 4 must be taken seriously.

“That’s when people start to develop signs of heat-related illness, it comes on quicker for people who are more vulnerable, but it can affect everybody — even being into the high 20s without it cooling down at night time can be a risk.”

Dr. Fyfe said it’s particularly important for high-risk populations such as the elderly, the very young and those with chronic and certain mental health conditions to minimize their exposure.

He said to limit strenuous activities to the mornings and evenings, seek out cooler environments if possible and stay hydrated.

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“We need to be mindful that we are losing fluids in our body through perspiration and also through our respiratory tract. We want to stay hydrated, that’s what helps us to remain cool by having plenty of fluids.”

He said children typically generate additional heat in their bodies since they tend to be more active and may not realize they’re suffering from a heat-related illness.

For those without the luxury of air conditioning, Dr. Fyfe recommended closing windows during the day to keep hot air out and opening them up in the evenings to allow cooler air to circulate.

According to the BC Coroners Service (BCCS), there were 11 heat-related deaths in the province last summer.

The unprecedented 2021 heat dome event resulted in 619 heat-related fatalities across the province.

“People who made phone calls would be assured by the person they were calling they were okay, but in fact, some of them were getting in trouble and just didn’t want to reach out for help, so it’s really important if possible, to physically check up on people in their homes,” Dr. Fyfe said.

He strongly advised against pets or children remaining in a parked enclosed car for any period of time, noting temperatures can easily exceed 45 degrees in those environments.

“Don’t do it. Leave your pet at home rather than taking it and leaving in in the car. And never, ever leave a child in the summertime unattended in the car, even if the windows are rolled down part-way, it can still get hot.

Island Health has numerous heat-related safety tips listed here.

The City of Nanaimo has a ‘Beat the Heat’ resource page on their website to help deal with the warm weather.

Join the conversation. Submit your letter to NanaimoNewsNOW and be included on The Water Cooler, our letters to the editor feature.

Ian.holmes@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes