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Cranbrook, BC (June 28, 2021) -- With the unprecedented heat wave upon and not much relief in sight, the City of Cranbrook is assisting residents, visitors, and those most vulnerable in our community with ways to cool off and get a reprieve from the temperatures.

The Cranbrook Public Library is now acting as a cooling centre for those who need get out of the heat.  The building will be open during regular operating hours for those who need it, with extended hours until 8pm on both Tuesday June 29 and Wednesday June 30. The library will be closed on Thursday July 1 for Canada Day.

Public Works will start opening the City’s outdoor fountains on Tuesday, with staff sanitizing those stations regularly throughout the day. Visitors to our parks and other facilities are still encouraged to bring plenty of their own water with you to make sure you remain hydrated. 

And members with Cranbrook Fire & Emergency Services are popping up around the community with their ladder truck at various parks to help people beat the heat. Firefighters made stops at the Kinsmen Spray Park and Rotary Park downtown on Monday afternoon. They will continue to do these pop ups at parks across the community over the next few days at 30 minutes intervals, as they are available.  Make sure you come down and enjoy our giant mister.

Interior Health advises that anyone can suffer from heat-related illness, but some people are at greater risk. Take extra care to check on the following people regularly: 

• Infants and young children, who rely on adults to monitor their environments and to provide them with enough fluid to drink; 
• People 65 years or older, or anyone who needs assistance monitoring their wellbeing; 
• People with heart problems and breathing difficulties; 
• People who exercise or who work outside or in a hot environment.

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

• Pale, cool, moist skin 
• Heavy sweating 
• Muscle cramps 
• Rash 
• Swelling, especially hands and feet 
• Fatigue and weakness
• Light headedness and/or fainting 
• Headache
• Nausea and/or vomiting 

More severe symptoms – including high fever, hallucinations, seizures, and unconsciousness – require urgent medical attention. Call 911, move to a cool place, and cool the person with water and fanning.

Be sure to take steps to avoid heat related illness like:

1.    Plan your outdoor activity before 11 a.m. or after 4 p.m., to avoid the most intense sun.
2.    Drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids. Water is the best choice. 
3.    Avoid physical work or exercise outside in the heat of the day. 
4.    If you must work or exercise outside, drink two to four cups of water each hour, even before you feel thirsty. 
5.    Rest breaks are important and should be taken in the shade. 
6.    Apply sunscreen to prevent sunburn but remember this does not protect from the heat. 
7.    Stay in the shade, or create your own shade with lightweight, light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing, a wide brimmed hat, and/or an umbrella. 
8.    If you are struggling to keep cool, move indoors to an air-conditioned building or take a cool bath or shower. At temperatures above 30° C (86°F), fans alone may not be able to prevent heat related illness. 
9.    Never leave children or pets alone in a parked car. Temperatures can rise to 52° C (125° F) within 20 minutes inside a vehicle when the outside temperature is 34° C (93° F). Leaving the car windows slightly open will not keep the inside of the vehicle at a safe temperature. 
10.    Regularly check older adults, infants, and children, those doing a lot of physical activity or working outside, and people with chronic disease or mental illness for signs of heat-related illness. Make sure they are keeping cool and drinking plenty of fluids. Check on those who are unable to leave their homes, and people whose judgment may be impaired.

Visit the Interior Health website on health-related information for heat waves at https://www.interiorhealth.ca/YourEnvironment/Emergency/ExtremeHeat/Pages/default.aspx.