Another hot summer for BC

Another hot summer seems to be in the forecast for much of BC and the Province along with public-health officials is taking several steps to help people stay safe.

Today (Friday, May 31) the BC Government announced several measures including:

* expanding the Free Portable Air Conditioner (AC) program to reach 19,000 more eligible households;

* supporting further improvements to long-term care and assisted living homes to protect seniors from climate impacts through a $6-million grant to the BC Care Providers Association’s EquipCare BC program; and

* adding extreme heat warnings to highway signs to inform people about expected extreme heat events, similar to wildfire, construction and road safety messaging.

In addition, the Province developed new guidelines to clarify rules around installing AC units and better support renters and landlords to safely install them.

“With the forecast for a hot summer ahead, now is the time to take steps to prepare yourself and your family so you can be safe and ready for potential impacts of extreme heat and wildfire smoke,” said Dr. Bonnie Henry, provincial health officer.

“Poor air quality and excessive heat are growing public-health risks that can have significant impacts on people’s health. We want people to be aware of the potential for extreme summer weather and know what actions they can take to stay safe and manage and reduce risk.”

Furthermore, a $6-million grant to extend the BC Care Providers Association’s EquipCare program for improvement to long-term care and assisted-living homes.

The money will enhance the living environment of these facilities by installing infection control, air and water-quality temperature-control equipment, such as air conditioning, blinds and electrical upgrades necessary to protect seniors from the impacts of recurring extreme weather events and poor air quality due to wildfires.

“We are taking action to ensure that British Columbia’s most vulnerable people are protected from extreme heat caused by climate change,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation.

“By tripling funding for the Free Portable Air Conditioner program administered by BC Hydro, we are making it easier for British Columbians to keep their homes and apartments cool this summer.”

Since last summer, BC Hydro has provided more than 6,000 free air conditioners to people throughout the province, with thousands more expected to be installed in the coming months through the Free Portable Air Conditioner program.

In preparation for heat, the Province also reimburses eligible costs to local governments and First Nations so they can open community cooling centres.