With the summer months approaching, the City of Richmond has offered some tips for residents to stay safe in the heat:
- Drink plenty of fluids and stay hydrated even if you do not feel thirsty.
- Keep cool in places with air conditioning or shade such as community centres and shopping malls. A list of places to cool off can be found at richmond.ca/heat.
- When staying at home, use a fan, wet towels and take cool showers or baths. Draw your blinds, keep curtains closed or use window coverings to reduce inside heat.
- Check in on your loved ones, such as older family, friends and neighbours, who may be at risk of heat-related illnesses. Those most at risk for heat-related illness can include individuals with a disability, pregnant women, babies and young children, seniors and anyone with underlying health conditions.
Richmondites are also advised to never leave children or pets in a parked vehicle "even for just a moment." Community members who see an animal in distress in a hot car should note the licence plate and contact 911, followed by the BC SPCA helpline at 1-855-622-7722.
There is an increased risk of fires during the hot weather as forests and parks can dry out quickly, becoming susceptible to wildfires. Community members are asked to adhere to city bans on outside BBQs and fires and never discard cigarette butts from car windows, along a trail or into garden beds and shrubbery.
More information is available on staying cool in Richmond, heat-related illnesses and protecting pets from the heat.
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