Delta has offered its recreation centres, parks, pools and libraries, to those needing a break from the broiling temperatures, after Environment and Climate Change Canada issued a heat warning.
In all, 16 city facilities will be open, at various times, to people seeking a break from the long, hot summer.
In addition to those facilities, a community cooling station with a misting tent, water and heat response supplies will be at Deltassist Family and Community Services Society, at 9097 – 120th St., from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., from today up to and including Thursday.
The heat warning is expected to last until Thursday, Aug. 17 and follows the warning issued by Environment Canada for the Fraser Health and Vancouver Coastal Health regions.
The forecast is for temperatures in the high 20s or low 30s along the coast, with thermometers climbing to mid- or high-30s inland.
“Well-above seasonal daytime temperatures combined with elevated overnight temperatures will mean little relief from the heat. However, daytime temperatures will be several degrees cooler near the coast due to breezes from off the water,” said Environment Canada.
Temperatures are expected to drop a few degrees by Thursday.
A mobile outreach team that offers supplies to deal with the heat, is also offered week days by Deltassist.
According to Fraser Health, people at higher risk for heat-related illnesses include seniors over 65, people who live alone, people with pre-existing health conditions, substance-use disorders, young children, pregnant women, those marginally housed, or those with reduced mobility.
If people don’t have air conditioning in their homes, Fraser Health advises finding a place to cool off, such as libraries, malls or community centres and notes that indoors can be hotter than outdoors, so being outside with lots of shade might be cooler.
As well, during the daytime, shut windows and close curtains to block the sun and keep hot air from entering. At night, open windows, when it’s cooler air inside.
It also notes that fans shouldn’t be relied upon as a main means of cooling but can be used to draw in cooler air.
As well, pay attention to how hot it actually is inside your place.
“Keep track of temperatures in your home using a thermostat or thermometer. Sustained indoor temperatures over 31 C can be dangerous for people who are susceptible to heat,” said Fraser Health.
If your place is too hot, consider staying with a friend or relative who has AC. People who are able, can also check in on those who are at higher risk, says Fraser Health.
- The health authority also offers tips such as staying hydrated, spraying yourself with water, wearing a damp shirt, having a cool shower, staying in the shade and taking it easy during the hot parts of the day.
- If you’re feeling unwell or over-heating, take immediate action to cool down. Heat exhaustion signs include heavy sweating, headache, cramps, dark urine and extreme thirst.
- Heat stroke includes loss of consciousness, confusion, nausea, dark urine or no urine and is considered a medical emergency. Call 911, then take immediate action to help someone t cool down while awaiting for help.
Environment Canada will issue a heat warning when temperatures hit 29 C for two days in a row in Delta, with night-time temperatures staying at or above 16 C.
Delta is within the southwest region, near the water, and thus has lower trigger point temperatures than inland areas.
An extreme heat emergency can be declared when temperatures exceed those in a heat warning and keep climbing for three or more days. The BC Heat Committee determines when to issue both types of warnings.
The city’s facilities that are open, include:
• North Delta Rec Centre, 604-952-3045
• Kennedy Seniors Rec Centre, 604-594-2717
• Sungood Rec Centre, 604-952-3075
• Ladner Leisure Centre, 604-946-3310
• McKee Seniors Rec Centre, 604-946-1411
• Winskill Aquatic and Fitness Centre, 604-952-3005
• South Delta Rec Centre, 604-952-3020
• KinVillage Community Centre, 604-943-0225
• North Delta Outdoor Pool, 604-952-3045
• Lions Wellness Park, delta.ca
• Memorial Park, (Ladner Rotary Splash Park) delta.ca
• Ladner Outdoor Pool, 604-946-9226
• Diefenbaker Park (Rotary Waterworks Playground) delta.ca
• George Mackie Library, 604-594-8155
• Ladner Pioneer Library, 604-946-6215
• Tsawwassen Library, 604-943-2271
Call each facility for opening hours.
