The Town of Qualicum Beach opened a temporary cooling centre in response to a heat warning issued by Environment Canada.
The civic centre’s Lions Room on 747 Jones Street will be open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., July 26-29, according to a news release by the town.
It will provide an air-conditioned facility with seating and cold water to support residents during the hottest hours of the day. Staff will monitor the weather forecast to determine if the hours will extend beyond July 29, according to the town.
Environment Canada has two levels of heat alerts – a heat warning and an extreme heat emergency. The current warning advises residents to take usual steps to stay cool, including:
• Drink plenty of water and other liquids to stay hydrated;
• Take it easy, especially during the hottest hours of the day (generally 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.);
• Seek cooler indoor and outdoor spaces;
• Check in on neighbours, friends, family members and at-risk individuals;
• Use air conditioning if available;
• Take a cool shower or cool bath;
• Wear a wet shirt or apply damp towels to your skin;
• Close windows and indoor/outdoor shades/blinds by 10 a.m. to trap the cooler air inside and block the sun;
• Open windows and doors at around 8 p.m. to let the cooler overnight air into the house;
• Use multiple fans to help move cooler air into the home overnight.
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Remember that overheating can lead to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Visit Island Health for the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke and what to do if symptoms are present.
Fans alone cannot effectively lower core body temperature, especially for older adults.
There are several locations in the Parksville Qualicum Beach area with cooling spaces regularly open to the public, including libraries and recreational facilities.
For more tips on heat safety, as well as symptoms and treatment for heat-related illness, visit islandhealth.ca.
During an Extreme Heat Emergency, the town will issue an emergency alert. To receive these free alerts directly via phone, email, text or app, sign up at qualicumbeach.com/voyent-alert.
For more information visit gov.bc.ca/ExtremeHeat
Cooling Spaces in Parksville Qualicum Beach:
Town of Qualicum Beach Civic Centre - 747 Jones St, Qualicum Beach. Open to the public from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Tuesday, July 26 to Friday July 29. Visit the Town of Qualicum Beach’s website qualicumbeach.com for updates.
Qualicum Beach Public Library – 101- 660 Primrose St, Qualicum Beach. Visit virl.bc.ca/branches/qualicum-beach for branch information and hours.
Oceanside Place – 830 Island Hwy, Parksville. Visit rdn.bc.ca/recreation-facilities for hours of operation.
Ravensong Aquatic Centre - 737 Jones St., Qualicum Beach. Visit rdn.bc.ca/recreation-facilities for hours of operation.
Parksville Public Library – 100 Jensen Ave East, Parksville. Visit virl.bc.ca/branches/parksville for branch information and hours.
Bowser Public Library – 6996 Island Hwy W, Bowser. Visit virl.bc.ca/branches/bowser for branch information and hours.
— NEWS Staff, submitted