Keeping Cool!

We hope that everyone is staying safe in this Vancouver heatwave! The worst is behind us, but we thought we’d advise on some tips for you and your homes to stay cool. There are also 10 cooling centres around the city you can duck into for a respite. Want to know more? Scroll down!

Symptoms of heat-related illness and heat exhaustion

Watch for the following symptoms as signs of heat-related illness and heat exhaustion:

• Extreme thirst

• Dizziness

• Confusion

• Weakness

• Fainting

• Rapid breathing and heartbeat

• Nausea and vomiting

If you see someone suffering from too much heat, call 9-1-1 and help them cool off by applying water to their face and neck until emergency services arrive. You can also call 8-1-1 to speak to a nurse. Interpretation services are available on these phone numbers.

Tips to keep cool

• Stay out of the sun as much as possible

• Plan ahead for where you can spend time in a cool or air-conditioned place, and seek shade when outside

• Wear a wide-brimmed hat, lightweight, loose-fitting clothing, and sunscreen

• Avoid strenuous activity and exercise

• Drink plenty of cool fluids such as water before you feel thirsty

• Fill up your water bottle at one of our drinking fountains, including temporary fountains that are set up during the summer months

Cool down your pulse points

Pulse points are areas of your body where you can feel your pulse through your skin because blood vessels are positioned close to the surface. Applying ice or a cold cloth to these points can help cool you down from the inside out. Pulse points include the following areas:

• Neck

• Wrists

• Insides of elbows and knees

• Tops of your feet

• Insides of your ankles

• Inner thighs

• Just in front of your ears