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(July 4, 2024) Environment Canada has issued a heat warning for the Nanaimo region with temperatures expected to reach 31 degrees Celsius through Monday, July 8, 2024. 

Certain groups of people are at greater risk of health impacts during extreme heat:

• Older adults living alone or in isolation
• People living with a disability
• People with a chronic medical condition
• People living alone
• People who use substances, and
• People who do not have access to air conditioning

People in these groups may be particularly vulnerable during extreme heat and may need help. Please check in on your family and neighbours, stay cautious in the heat and care for those around you.

See tips below for ways to stay cool, cool your home, symptoms to watch for, and other resources to help you through these warmer times.

For additional tips and advice, please visit:

• Our ‘Beat the Heat’ page,
• Province of BC's 'Be prepared for extreme heat and drought' page, and
• download and print the PreparedBC Extreme Heat Preparedness Guide.
  

Plan ahead for heat: 

• Relocate to a cooler location if you are able to (see below for available City of Nanaimo locations).
• Reconfigure the coolest location in your home so you can sleep there at night.
• Put up external window covers to block the sun if you can safely do so.
• Close your curtains and blinds.
• Ensure digital thermometers have batteries.
• Make ice and prepare jugs of cool water.
• Keep windows closed between 10 am and 8 pm Open them at 8 pm to allow cooler air in, and use fans (including kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans) to move cooler air through the house.
• Identify an extreme heat buddy who can check on you when it gets hot and who you can reach out for help.
• Stay connected with your friends and neighbours - check on older people and those who are house-bound for signs of heat-related illness and pay attention to the media, Environment Canada, EmergencyInfoBC and Island Health for more information. 

More tips to stay cool: 

• Stay hydrated - drink cold beverages, preferably free of alcohol, caffeine and sugar. Here is an online map of drinking water fountain locations where you can fill up a water bottle.
• Dress appropriately- avoid dark colours and heavy layers. Wear a hat, loose fitting clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen when heading outdoors.
• Cool down - we are fortunate to be surrounded by many water sources from the Salish Sea to lakes and streams. Check out the Parks search app for some swimming gems in Nanaimo. Please make sure to practice water safety principles in and around water and, especially in high flowing rivers. In addition, the City has four water parks for kids to enjoy, a misting station at and join us for a swim at one of our pools or at Westwood Lake Park (lifeguards on duty until September 2, 11:30 am to 5:30 pm)
• Slow down - avoid strenuous activities.
• Look for shade - avoid direct exposure to the sun. The City has wide range of parks and open spaces to get some shade.
• Avoid hot cars - never leave your children or pets in a hot car.
• Visit us - our recreation facilities have air-conditioned lobbies and are a great place for a brief cool down.
• Nanaimo's libraries and shopping centres offer air conditioned settings to cool down in as well.