Climate Adaptation to Heat

Updated July 25, 2022

For emergency preparedness information on extreme heat, visit the Emergency Planning page and follow the Emergency Program page on Facebook for local emergency information. 

Average summer temperatures are increasing and extreme heat events and air quality alerts, due to wildfire smoke, are becoming more common as the climate changes. (See 10 tips for coping with wildfire-smoke.)

Use the Extreme Heat Preparedness Guide to help you prepare, in addition to these tips (adapted from BCCDC):

Preparing your space

  • Identify a cooler space in your home and set it up to stay there at night, if possible. You may need to change your daily living arrangements.
  • Find an air-conditioned spot where you can cool off on very hot days. Consider staying with friends or family. In Sooke, locations such as SEAPARC and the Vancouver Island Library Branch on Wadams Way both offer cool spaces.
  • Check that you have a working fan. If you have an air conditioner (or heat pump which also cools), make sure it works.
  • Install awnings, shutters, blinds, or curtains over your windows to keep the sun out during the day.
  • Practice opening doors and windows to move cool air in at night and shutting windows during the day to prevent hot outdoor air from coming inside.
  • Get a digital room thermometer to keep with you to know when your home is getting too hot.

“Cool” Places & Spaces in (and nearby) Sooke

Your family and friends

  • Think of people you know who may be more susceptible to heat such as persons over 65 and develop a buddy system.
  • Check-in with your hot weather buddy often, especially in the evening when indoor temperatures are highest. It is also good to check in the early morning, to see how they managed through the night.
  • If your home is cooler, invite those who are at the highest risk to stay with you.

Your health

  • If you take regular medications, drugs, or have a health condition, ask your doctor or pharmacist whether it increases your health risk in the heat and follow their recommendations.
  • Know the signs and symptoms of heat-related illness so you can identify problems early on. Severe headache, confusion, unsteadiness, loss of thirst, nausea/vomiting, and dark urine or no urine are signs of dangerous heat-related illness.

Prepare an Extreme Heat Kit

Make an Extreme Heat Kit to help during hot weather, including:

  • Water
  • Cups for drinking water
  • Ice packs
  • Large and small towels
  • Wide-brimmed hat
  • Light-coloured, lightweight, and breathable clothing
  • Sunglasses

Additional Resources

Visit CleanBC web pages for more tips on keeping your home cool in the summer and information on rebates for energy-efficient home upgrades.