Temperatures are expected to rise again in B.C. this weekend, with many areas across the province under heat warnings. As our sector navigates the challenges of the season, it’s important to stay informed about the various safety measures for extreme heat and wildfire situations as it pertains to seniors.
Recent developments have prompted precautionary evacuation plans for residents in the Interior due to wildfires, while the rising temperatures call for the monitoring of seniors in various B.C. communities.
Read below to stay informed ahead of the extreme heat and wildfire situation.
Wildfire evacuation update
As temperatures rise, Interior Health is monitoring the increase in wildfire activity. There are currently fires in areas such as East Kootenay, Kootenay Boundary, Princeton/EastGate and Ashcroft. Further changes in alerts or orders may require the relocation of residents in assisted living and long-term care homes in the latter area, particularly Thompson View Manor and Jackson House respectively.
Long-term care and assisted living operators are encouraged to use BCCPA’s 2024 Emergency Preparedness Resource Database, which includes resources for wildfire evacuation planning, here.
BC Care Providers Association (BCCPA) will continue to provide updates as they arise.
UPDATE (7/19/24 at 3:04 PM): Thompson View Manor and Jackson House in Ashcroft have undergone evacuation. Plans are in place to relocate residents to alternative homes.
UPDATE (7/19/24 at 4:51 PM): As a precautionary measure, Interior Health is relocating 21 residents from Jackson House long-term care home and five clients from Thompson View Lodge assisted living home to alternate locations away from the impacted area. Interior Health is contacting families directly and providing updates on the location of their loved ones.
Read Interior Health’s official announcement here.
Tips to ensure the safety of older adults during extreme heat
With seniors at a higher risk for heat stroke and heat-related illnesses, BCCPA is reminding the public to check on seniors in their communities to ensure they are staying safe and cool.
Because older adults are more likely to have underlying conditions, they are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses. They may also face barriers in accessing cooling spaces due to mobility issues or lack of transportation.[1] Thus, it is important to ensure that seniors are regularly monitored that they have what they need (see below) and are in good health:
- Cold packs in the freezer
- Cooling blankets, lightweight clothing and linen
- Access to plenty of water for hydration
- Window coverings to block heat
- An accurate digital thermometer to measure indoor temperatures
- Misting fans (fans that circulate room air are not recommended over 35°C)
- Air conditioning in at least one room
- Two weeks’ worth of any medication (both routine and flare-up/emergency) and inhalers
- Portable air cleaners or air filters for HVAC system for times of potential smoke[2]
Stay informed about heat warnings in your area here and check in with seniors and other vulnerable individuals in the evening and early morning. [3]
In addition, familiarize yourself with signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses:
| Heat Stroke and severe health-related illness |
ACTION: Call 911, move them to a cool place, remove excess clothing, apply cool water or cover with wet towels while waiting for help |
| Mild to moderate heat-related illness |
In uncertain, contact a healthcare provider or call HealthLinkBC at 811. If symptoms get worse, call 911.[4] |
Many public facilities such as libraries, shopping malls and community centres have air-conditioned spaces that can be used for people to cool down, especially seniors and other vulnerable groups.
For more tips to help older adults and seniors prepare for extreme heat events, visit Interior Health’s guide here.
More resources
BC Centre for Disease Control – Preparing for Heat Events
PreparedBC – Be prepared for extreme heat
[1] Interior Health. (n.d.). How older adults and seniors can prepare for extreme heat events. Interior Health. Retrieved July 18, 2024, from https://www.interiorhealth.ca/stories/how-older-adults-and-seniors-can-prepare-extreme-heat-events
[2] Interior Health, How older adults and seniors can prepare for extreme heat events.
[3] BC Centre for Disease Control. (n.d.). Preparing for heat events. Retrieved from http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/prevention-public-health/preparing-for-heat-events
[4] BC Centre for Disease Control, Preparing for heat events.
