The City of Revelstoke is reminding residents to be prepared for heat-related emergencies, as temperatures rise and the risk of wildfires increase.
In a social media post, the City said being aware of potential hazards is an important first step to ensuring that residents are prepared for any emergency.
“Extreme heat is when temperatures are already very hot, and daytime and nighttime temperatures get even hotter each day, well above seasonal norms,” read the City’s post.
The City of Revelstoke works with the province through Emergency Management BC (EMCR) to prepare for and respond to emergencies that occur within the City and Columbia Shuswap Regional District Area B (RAEMP).
According to PreparedBC, a heat stroke is an emergency, saying overheating can be “potentially deadly”.
If someone is experiencing symptoms such as rapid breathing, rapid heart rate, extreme thirst, altered levels of consciousness and decreased urination with an unusually dark yellow colour, take immediate steps to cool down and seek emergency care.
PreparedBC stated that B.C. is experiencing higher summer temperatures and more extremely hot days due to climate change and average temperatures in Western Canada are already 1°C to 2°C warmer than they were in the 1940s.
Residents are encourage to make an emergency preparedness plan by writing down contacts, agreeing on a meeting place and preparing water and food sources.
The City of Revelstoke has an alert page available to communicate in emergencies.
