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Extreme Heat Safety

Extreme Heat Safety

The Town of Sidney considers extreme heat events to be emergencies and will respond appropriately, with a focus on offering relief measures for those at greatest risk. During extreme heat, the Town of Sidney will activate our Heat Response Plan.

In addition to leading emergency response efforts during heat events, the Town intends to collaborate with other government levels, local community service groups, and community members in planning and implementing measures that protect all residents.

Heat stroke is an emergency. Call 911 if you are caring for someone who displays symptoms, then take immediate action to cool them down while waiting for help to arrive.

How to Protect Yourself and Others During Extreme Heat

Take Precautions

  • Stay hydrated.
  • Drink more fluids regardless of your activity level.
  • If possible, stay in an air-conditioned place when you are indoors.
  • Stock up on food and medications so you are not forced to go outside in the heat.
  • If you don’t have air-conditioning, take shelter in the coolest room in your home and use a fan. Blowing a fan across a pan of ice water can create a cool breeze.
  • Open your windows at night to let in cooler air.
  • Take a cool shower or bath.
  • If you go outside, seek cooler, breezier areas when outdoors, such as large parks near to water with lots of trees.
  • Go to a nearby Cooling Centre.

Symptoms of Heat-Related Illness

The symptoms of heat-related illness can range from mild to severe. They include:

  • Heavy sweating
  • Muscle cramps
  • Rash
  • Swelling, especially hands and feet
  • Fatigue and weakness, light-headedness
  • Confused thinking
  • Headache
  • Nausea and/or vomiting

If you experience severe symptoms

  • Let a neighbour know how you are feeling, someone who can help you.
  • Call 911.
  • Move to a cool place.
  • Cool yourself with water and fanning.

Help Others In the Community

Heat emergencies primarily endanger seniors over age 65 and others who may have health issues or take certain mediations. You can help:

  • Check on others if you can, especially those who live alone.
  • Visit in-person so you can observe the symptoms of heat stress listed above.  
  • If you cannot visit, contact them by phone or video, but be aware that some people may say they feel fine even when they have some severe symptoms.
  • Help anyone with symptoms by moving them to a cool place, including taking them to a Cooling Centre, if possible. If it is an emergency, call 911.

Ways to Keep Cool in Sidney

If you can safely relocate and remain cool while doing so, local coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and the Sidney/ North Saanich Library can be great options during higher temperatures. Make a plan with a neighbour if you need assistance on relocating.

In an extreme heat event, the Town may open a community cooling centre, as per the Heat Response Plan.

Water Spray Park

The Water Spray Park at Iroquois Park, located at the corner of Fifth Street and Ocean Avenue (2295 Ocean Avenue) is generally operational from the May long weekend to the end of summer and is open from 10 am to 7 pm.

Public Water Fountains

  • Tulista Park – ArtSea Gallery building entrance
  • Tulista Park – Skate park entrance pathway
  • Iroquois Park – oppositethe public washrooms
  • Beacon Avenue Roundabout – along the waterfront walkway at Beacon Avenue
  • Community Wellness Park – along the outdoor fitness pathway, adjacent to the library

Beach Accesses

A list of beach access points can be found on the Town’s Parks Map.

Find more information for the entire Province of BC through the Government of British Columbia Emergency Map BC Dashboard. Zoom into a specific area (such as Sidney) to display all locations that offer relief from the heat - such as public drinking fountains, picnic shelters, water spray parks, and Cooling Centres.