Preparations for Kelowna’s Heat WavePreparations for Kelowna’s Heat Wave As Kelowna braces for scorching temperatures this weekend and early next week, Interior Health is urging residents to take precautions. Temperatures are forecasted to reach 39 C by Tuesday, exceeding seasonal averages by approximately 10 C. Beat the Heat Tips Medical health officer Sue Pollock shared strategies for coping with the heat, such as: * Wearing sunscreen * Using ice packs * Staying hydrated * Maintaining a buddy system to check on isolated individuals * Finding shade, cooling off in water, or avoiding the heat altogether Signs and Symptoms of Heat-Related Illnesses Pollock emphasized the importance of recognizing signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which can progress rapidly. * Heat Exhaustion: Symptoms include fatigue, profuse sweating, paleness, nausea, and headaches. Treatment involves cooling the person down with water and shade. * Heat Stroke: This is a medical emergency. Symptoms include confusion, dizziness, seizures, and loss of consciousness. Immediate medical attention is required. Resources for Support * Cooling centers and spaces may be activated if a heat warning is issued. Locations can be found on the Interior Health website. * Kelowna Gospel Mission will provide additional supplies for those living outside, including water, ice, Gatorade, sunscreen, and aloe vera. * Outreach workers will monitor for individuals in distress due to the heat. Additional Tips * Stay informed: Monitor weather forecasts and follow Interior Health’s website for updates. * Hydrate early and often: Drink plenty of fluids, even if you don’t feel thirsty. * Limit strenuous activities: Avoid outdoor exercise or heavy labor during peak heat hours. * Create cool indoor spaces: Use fans, air conditioning, or open windows to circulate air. * Protect your skin: Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing and a hat when outdoors. * Be aware of vulnerable populations: Check on elderly neighbors, individuals with chronic health conditions, and pets.
With temperatures expected to skyrocket in Kelowna this weekend and into early next week, Interior Health is doing what they can to make sure people are prepared for the heat.
Temperatures are expected to hit 39 C by Tuesday, roughly 10 C above seasonal averages.
In the Friday afternoon sun, medical health officer Sue Pollock demonstrated ways to beat the heat, including wearing sunscreen, using ice packs and staying hydrated.
“One thing we recommend is to have a buddy system. “We know that during the 2021 heat dome, many of the people who passed away during that time frame were older adults living alone in their homes without air conditioning,” Pollock said.
“So we ask that everybody think of one person in your life that may be isolated or doesn’t have air conditioning and have a plan with them. Check in on them when there are high temperatures.”
Other ways of staying cool in plus-35 C weather include finding shade, cooling off in a body of water or avoiding the heat altogether.
Pollock also says it’s important to keep an eye out for signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which can often impact a person before they have time to seek medical help.
“Many times people experience heat exhaustion and that’s when people get very tired, they may be sweating a lot, they may be pale, nausea, headaches and that can be treated by getting people into the shade,” she said.
“So get people into a cool space with air conditioning or under a tree. Give them plenty of water to drink and make sure they can cool down,” said Pollock.
While cooling centres and spaces are ready at a moment’s notice and can be found through the Interior Health website if a formal heat warning does come into place, Kelowna Gospel Mission will be all hands on deck this weekend to support those who are living outside.
Kelowna Gospel Mission says it will step up with more supplies for the upcoming days, including extra water, ice, Gatorade, sun screen and aloe vera.
“As we are driving around, we will be looking for people who may be suffering from heat stroke or are just having a really hard time with the elements, so that we can help them out,” said Josh Heinitz, manager of outreach for KGM.
For more tips and tricks to stay ahead of the heat, head over to the Interior Health website for more information.
