Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, and Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, released the following statement regarding the BC Coroners Service Review of Heat-Related Deaths in BC in Summer 2021 report:
“We are saddened by the confirmation that 619 people lost their lives to heat during the unprecedented summer 2021 heat dome. Our hearts go out to families and friends who continue to mourn the loss of a loved one. dear.
“After last year’s tragic heat dome and the growing impacts of climate change, it was clear that we needed to work together to prepare for heat events, especially extreme heat emergencies, and we thank the committee for Heat-Related Deaths Review for its recommendations on how the provincial government can do this.
“Many of the committee’s report recommendations that are directed to the province are complete or in progress. The province has implemented a coordinated provincial heat alert and response system, the BC Heat Alert and Response System, which alerts the public, First Nations and local governments of heat warnings and extreme heat emergencies, and outlines the actions to be taken by provincial authorities. government agencies to keep people safe. The system is ready for use this summer and includes the ability to issue intrusive broadcast alerts through Alert Ready to notify people of extreme heat emergencies.
“The province continues to work with communities to prepare for heat events. The new announced extreme heat funding stream, as part of the $189 million Community Emergency Preparedness Fund, will support First Nations and local governments in extreme heat hazard mapping, assessment and planning. We will continue to work with First Nations and local communities and make supports available to them, including providing clear guidance on eligible expenses, such as opening cooling centers and transportation to cooling centers.
“The Department of Health continues to work to identify and support populations most at risk of dying during extreme heat emergencies, such as people with chronic conditions or limited mobility. For example, health authorities have provided resources for home health workers on when it is important to perform wellness checks, the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and how to do so. answer.
“In addition, we released British Columbia’s multilingual Extreme Heat Preparedness Guide with tips and resources on how people can protect themselves and their loved ones during extreme heat emergencies.
“All recommendations contained in the BC Coroners Service report will be carefully considered and considered.
“Alongside local governments and First Nations, the province is committed to keeping all British Columbians safe during heat events and we are working on this by reviewing and strengthening our response systems. We will continue to move forward and take the necessary steps to prevent heat-related deaths in the future.
Learn more:
To learn how to protect yourself and your community during extreme heat events and how to stay cool, see British Columbia’s Extreme Heat Preparedness Guide: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/ gov/public-safety-and-emergency-services/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/embec/preparedbc/preparedbc-guides/preparedbc_extreme_heat_guide.pdf
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