Community Update: Cooling Stations Open During Heat Warning (July 22 and 23)

View the full PDF release here: Cooling stations for July 22nd and 23rd

Please note: If you, a family member, or a friend is experiencing symptoms of heat-related illness, move to a cool place, drink water if possible, and call 911 immediately if symptoms are severe or worsen.

Environment Canada has issued a Heat Warning for the North Okanagan, with daytime temperatures expected to reach the mid to high 30s through the week and overnight lows remaining in the mid to high teens. The combination of hot days and warm nights can increase the risk of heat-related illness, particularly for Elders, young children, people with chronic health conditions, and those working or spending extended time outdoors.

In response, the Okanagan Indian Band is opening cooling stations to provide community members with a safe, air-conditioned place to escape the heat.

Cooling Station Locations

• Wednesday, July 22: Head of the Lake Hall
• Thursday, July 23: New Horizons

Both cooling stations will be open daily from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Community members are welcome to stop in to cool down, rehydrate, and take a break from the heat. Transportation to the cooling stations is available between 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. To arrange a ride, please contact Rayne Goodwater at 250-241-0234.

The Okanagan Indian Band encourages all community members to take a few simple precautions to stay safe during the heat.

Heat Safety Tips:

• Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you do not feel thirsty.
• Limit strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest part of the afternoon whenever possible.
• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing and a wide-brimmed hat when spending time outdoors.
• Take frequent breaks in the shade or in an air-conditioned building if you are working or exercising outside.
• Keep your home as cool as possible by closing blinds or curtains during the day and opening windows overnight when temperatures begin to cool.
• Never leave children, older adults, or pets unattended in a parked vehicle, even for a few minutes.
• Check in on Elders, young children, neighbours, and anyone who may be more vulnerable to the heat.

Know the Signs of Heat Illness

Heat-related illness can develop quickly. Watch for signs such as dizziness, headache, nausea, heavy sweating, extreme thirst, unusual fatigue, confusion, or fainting. If you or someone else begins experiencing these symptoms, move to a cool place, drink water if possible, and seek medical attention if symptoms are severe or do not improve.

For more information on staying safe during hot weather, visit Health Canada’s heat safety webpage: Fact Sheet: Staying Healthy in the Heat – Canada.ca

Environment Canada is forecasting temperatures to ease beginning Friday, with more seasonal conditions expected through the weekend. The Okanagan Indian Band will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates if the situation changes.