Heat Warning Issued
We have received notice that a Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued a Heat Warning for the Fraser Valley for Aug 11 & 12. Daytime high temperatures will reach 33C with overnight lows near 17C. A cooling trend is expected to arrive on Wednesday.
With elevated temperatures, the risk of heat related illness increases, particularly in seniors and those more vulnerable.
Since 2022 Menno Place has made significant improvements the our air conditioning across our campus, especially in our long-term care buildings. Along with these improvements all staff are reminded to work together to keep residents and buildings cool and take extra care to stay safe during these hot days.
Temperatures in excess of 26 degrees can result in increased physical strain in seniors, particularly if those temperatures continue over a period of days.
To protect our residents and tenants, we pro-actively monitor for heat-related conditions, following our Heat Preparedness Plan.
We mitigate risk by:
- ensuring hydration to all those who receive care services
- providing water / hydration stations in all buildings for staff and tenants
- providing cooling cloths to all who receive care services
- closing blinds/curtains and ask tenants to do the same
- ensure those in care are wearing light-weight clothing and reminding tenants to do the same
- encouraging apartment tenants to seek out air-conditioned spaces or get an air-conditioner installed
Staff can help keep the residents cool by:
- Offering residents lots of water and other fluids
- Monitoring residents, especially ones with ‘sun stickers’ often for heat related illnesses
- Disposable cooling pads are available at the nursing stations
- Gel packs for residents are located in the Home & Hospital kitchen freezers. Use for resident heat emergencies only.
- Relocate residents to cooler areas if their rooms get uncomfortably hot.
- Fans may not effectively reduce body temperatures or prevent heat-related illness in people at risk. Therefore, fans should be used to move cool air around and not be used as a primary cooling device.
Staff, keep the buildings cool:
- Ensure air conditioners are ON at all times. (report any problems to maintenance right away)
- Windows and blinds closed in the hot day times. Open windows in the cooler evenings (if safe to do so)
Quick Tips for Extreme Heat
How to keep your body cool and comfortable:
- Drink plenty of water
- Put on sunscreen when outside
- Wear loose fitting, light coloured, breathable clothing
- Avoid being in direct sunlight for too long
- Place a cold, wet towel around your neck
- Keep your apartment cool by closing the blinds, using AC, and limiting oven use
- Shower, bathe, or sponge off with cool water
And if you experience symptoms of a heat stroke (high body temperature, dizziness or fainting, confusion, and very hot and red skin), call 9-1-1.
Heat Exhaustion Symptoms
- Skin rash
- Heavy Sweating
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Rapid Heartbeat and breathing
- Muscle cramps
- Extreme thirst and/or dark urine or decreased urination
Anyone with one or more of these symptoms should move to a cool space immediately and let someone know they are not feeling well.
Heat Stroke Symptoms
- High body temperature
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Confusion
- Lack of coordination
- Very hot and red skin
Anyone with any of these symptoms should call 911 immediately.
