The Kimberley Library is open to the public as a cooling centre during opening hours (Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday - 10-5pm; Thursday 12:30-7pm) for anyone needing a safe space out of the heat.
They have bottled water for you and a fresh bowl of water for pets. Come in and relax in a cool environment.
Interior Health is offering tips for taking care of yourself during this hot spell. Certain people are at higher risk during high temperatures including seniors, people with mental illnesses, those with pre-existing health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease or respiratory disease, those with substance use disorders, those with limited mobility, those who work in hot environments, people who are pregnant and infants and young children.
If your home does not have air conditioning, find places, like the library, that have it so you can cool off.
Close windows, curtains and blinds to block the sun. Open doors and windows when it is cooler outside.
Keep track of temperatures in your home. Sustained indoor temperatures over 31 C can be dangerous.
- Drink plenty of water and other liquids to stay hydrated, even if you are not thirsty.
- Spray your body with water, wear a damp shirt, take a cool shower or bath or sit with part of your body in water to cool down.
- Take it easy, especially during the hottest hours of the day.
- When outside, stay in the shade and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
- Take immediate action to cool down if you are overheating. Signs of overheating include feeling unwell, headache and dizziness. Overheating can lead to heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
- Signs of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, severe headache, muscle cramps, extreme thirst and dark urine. If you are experiencing these symptoms, you should seek a cooler environment, drink plenty of water, rest, use water to cool your body and monitor your symptoms.
- Signs of heat stroke include loss of consciousness, disorientation, confusion, severe nausea or vomiting and very dark urine or no urine. Heat stroke is a medical emergency.
