B.C. launches heat alert system, preparedness guide

After last summer’s heat dome created record high temperatures causing health risks and fatalities across B.C., the province will be using a new alert to warn people and has developed a new plan to help prepare for similar future events.

The province has a new B.C. Heat Alert and Response System (BC HARS), which can be used to issue a broadcast intrusive alert for extreme heat emergencies.

“Last summer’s unprecedented heat dome tragically resulted in hundreds of fatalities, making it clear we need to do more to be better prepared for future extreme heat events,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General.

“We’ve developed a new heat framework so we’re ready for the next heat event, and we are ready to issue broadcast Intrusive alerts for extreme heat emergencies to ensure people are aware.”

The system has two categories of heat events: heat warnings and extreme heat emergencies.

“For extreme heat emergencies, like last year’s heat dome, we will be prepared to issue a broadcast intrusive alert through the national Alert Ready system,” said Farnworth.

“This builds on our expanded use of Alert Ready to issue alerts for wildfires and floods in addition to Amber Alerts and tsunami warnings.”

Communities most at risk of heat emergencies will also be able to access the $189-million Community Eergency Preparedness Fund to be used for heat risk mapping, assessment and planning initiatives. This funding stream will stay open to First Nations and local governments until June 24.

“[The Community Emergency Preparedness Fund] is intended to support communities to ensure they have accurate knowledge of the risks associated with extreme heat and how these risks will change over time, and to develop effective response plans and strategies to prepare, mitigate and adapt to those risks,” said Farnworth.

The province has also prepared a new Extreme Heat Preparedness Guide for British Columbians to use to prepare themselves, their families and their homes for extreme weather events.

The guide is available in multiple languages and was made in partnership with the B.C. Centre for Disease Control.

Some of the recommendations in the plan are identifying cool zones, including community cooling centres; identifying neighbours and family members who may be at risk or need assistance during a heat event; having someone check on people who live alone to ensure they are safe, and be prepared to take them to a cooling centre; and having a digital thermometer installed to have an accurate temperature reading, as 31 degrees or higher creates the high level of risk to more vulnerable people.

British Columbians are also advised to monitor themselves and others for signs of heat illness, including dizziness or fainting; nausea or vomiting; confusion; rapid heartbeat; and extreme thirst. In the event of these symptoms becoming present, it’s advised that the person be moved to a cool area and to seek medical attention.

The full Extreme Heat Preparedness Guide can be found at the PreparedBC’s website.

In preparation for the summer and potential heat events, B.C. Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) has a new Clinical Safety Plan that will increase capacity, maintain patient service, protect staff health and safety, and ensure timely communication with various stakeholders during an extreme heat event.

The plan will also guide the BCEHS through actions needed during such times including reassigning staff to support areas with increased call volumes, reducing turnaround times at key hospitals, and using alternate care pathways and transport options so ambulances remain available for critical 911 calls.

“It’s vital that we take the lessons we learned from last year’s devastating heat dome to make sure that the province and our health-care system are as prepared and resilient as possible during extreme heat,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health.

“The new heat alert and response system, and actions we’re taking to strengthen the ambulance system and emergency care, will help ensure people across B.C. are safe during future heat waves.”

The province is still awaiting a report from the B.C. Coroners Service’s investigation into the deaths from the heat dome last summer. Once that report is complete the province will review attached recommendations, and some may be put in place to help prevent similar deaths in the future.