Extreme weather

• Extreme heat affects everyone, but some people are at a higher risk of health impacts, including:
  • Older adults, aged 50 years or older 
  • Infants and young children 
  • People who are pregnant 
  • People with pre-existing medical and mental health conditions 
  • Outdoor workers 
  • People with reduced mobility 
  • People who live alone or are socially isolated 
  • People who live in high density housing with a lack of indoor cooling 
  • Some medications also increase risk of heat illness 

Check on vulnerable neighbours and older adults multiple times a day, especially in the evening.

• Familiarize yourself with the signs of heat-related illness, available in multiple languages
• Review your plan: Make sure you have the supplies and support you need to stay safe and cool during the hottest parts of the day, typically 11am to 4pm.  
• Identify your home’s cool zones. 
• Determine if you can stay at home. If indoor temperatures reach and stay above 31 degrees, plan to stay with friends or family who have air conditioning or a cooler space. Alternatively, identify places in your community you can visit to stay cool such as: 
  • Libraries
  • Community centres
  • Shopping malls
  • Parks and other shaded green spaces
• Know the location of cooling centres in your community. Cooling centres are air conditioned and open to the public; you don’t need to register, pay or show identification
  • If a heat warning has been issued, please refer to this page for a current list of on-campus UBC Cooling Centres.
  • For additional information, guidance and cooling centers location, visit your First Nation or local authority website: Musqueam Indian Band, City of Vancouver, City of Richmond, City of Burnaby, City of Surrey, City of New Westminster, City of North Vancouver, City of Coquitlam, City of Port Coquitlam, City of Port Moody, City of Delta, City of Langley (Please note: Not all neighbouring First Nation or Local Authority websites are listed). 
• If you work or spend long periods of time outdoors, be aware of the risks of extreme heat combined with humidity, wildfire smoke, and sun exposure.
• Ensure your pets have access to shade and water. Learn more on the SPCA website.

A few modifications can make a big difference during periods of extreme heat. Options include: 

• Close and cover your windows between 10am and 8pm to prevent hot outdoor air from coming inside. Uncovered windows can increase your home’s temperature. Stay alert of your surroundings and sign up for local updates.  
• Open windows at night to allow cool air in and use fans to move cooler air through the house. 
  • Note: Do not rely on fans as your primary cooling method during an extreme heat event. Fans cannot effectively reduce body temperatures or prevent heat-related illness in people at higher risk 
• Purchase or install cooling solutions 
  • Look out for rebates and government supports. 
  • See the UNA website for passive cooling solutions and heat pump installation [dependent on UNA site available]  
• Monitor indoor temperature. Keep easy-to-read thermometers available to accurately measure indoor temperatures (31°C or higher is dangerous for heat-vulnerable people). 

Check on vulnerable neighbours and older adults multiple times a day, especially in the evening. Be sure you are ready!

• If you have air conditioning turn it on, if you do not move to your pre-identified alternate location or cooler spaces. 
• Drink plenty of water 
• Wear lightweight, loose clothing that breathes well 
• Take cool baths or showers 
• If you are taking medication or have a health condition, ask your doctor or pharmacist if it increases your health risk in the heat and follow their recommendation 
• Lower your outdoor activity level 
• Avoid direct sun and seek shade when outdoors

If a heat event and poor air quality event occur at the same time, prioritize staying cool.  

• Adjust your gait: Shorten your stride length to keep your centre of gravity supported. Also, walk with your knees slightly bent, as locking your knees reduces your ability to adjust to a slip. When turning, avoid sharp turns. 
• Slow down: Take slow, deliberate steps and be on the lookout for icy spots. Place your whole foot down at once, shifting your weight slowly to this foot before stepping with the other foot. 
• Balance your load: Consider donning a backpack. Backpacks keep your load closer to your centre of gravity. Carrying heavy items in your hands hinders your arms’ ability to provide balance when you do slip. You need your arms free to help you recover your balance if you start to slide. Do not walk with your hands in your pockets for this very same reason. 
• Wear appropriate footwear: Footwear with a thick rubber or non-slip sole is recommended. Avoid wearing heels and footwear with minimal tread. 
• Entering/exiting your vehicle: Take care when stepping into/out of your car as you are usually off balance and only on one foot. This increases your chance of slipping. Consider carrying a bag of sand in your vehicle that you can sprinkle on the ground before exiting the vehicle. 
• Snow-covered curbs: Exercise caution around snow-covered curbs on paths and roadways. 
• Entering/exiting buildings: Entrance ways may be slippery, exercise caution and report any missing floor mats to UBC Facilities. 
• Snow removal equipment: Our winter equipment is fully operational during early morning & daytime hours whenever a snowfall occurs. We are requesting staff and students be aware of moving equipment and be cognizant of the potential risk for pedestrians walking in front of and/or behind operating equipment.