A heat warning has been issued by Environment Canada. This means that two or more consecutive days of daytime maximum temperatures are expected to reach 33°C or warmer and night time minimum temperatures are expected to stay at 17°C or warmer.
As a precaution, the City of Maple Ridge is opening the Greg Moore Youth Centre (11925 Haney Place) as a cooling centre from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm on Wednesday and Thursday. People will be able to bring their pets as long as they remain on a leash and in control of the owner.
The City’s Bylaws and Community Safety Officers (CSOs) are working with vulnerable citizens through the Community Resource Hub and partner agencies to ensure that services are available for unsheltered citizens.
The Maple Ridge Public library, located at 22470 Dewdney Trunk Rd, is also open from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm on Wednesday and Thursday. The Library has washrooms and water fountains on site.
The City website has information and resource links at mapleridge.ca/1229.
Some of the information from that web page includes:
- Never leave children or pets unattended in a vehicle as temperatures can rise higher than 50 degrees Celsius.
- Limit the amount of time outdoors between 11:00 am and 4:00 pm when the heat and sun are most intense. When outside, remain in the shade and use sunscreen with SPF 30 or more to avoid direct prolonged exposure to the sun.
- Hot air rises, so higher levels collect more heat. Stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine if air conditioning is not available.
- Take advantage of air-conditioned buildings such as malls, library, and community centres.
- Eat well-balanced, light and regular meals. Avoid salt if possible.
- Stay hydrated by drinking cool beverages (preferably water), even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid drinks with caffeine.
- Limit intake of alcoholic beverages.
- Dress accordingly by wearing light coloured, loose fitting clothing that covers your skin and a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses to shade your face.
- Avoid demanding physical work or exercise in the heat. If you do perform tasks that are exerting, drink plenty of extra fluids and know when to take a rest.
- Keep spray bottles full of cold water close by for a quick cool down.
- Keep your home cool by closing shades during the day, open windows at night and use an air conditioner if you have one.
The location of water fountains in the Maple ridge can be found using the website at mapleridge.ca/facilities. You can search for facilities with ‘drinking water’ available to the public.
The location of spray parks can be found at mapleridge.ca/1453.
Please take all necessary precautions to protect the health and safety of you family and pets in these warm temperatures. If the conditions change, updated information will be provided.