Press Releases

Chilliwack, BC: The City of Chilliwack would like to remind residents to reduce or reschedule strenuous outdoor activities in light of the current air quality and temperature. High temperatures are forecast to continue for the week and Environment Canada’s Air Quality Health Index placed the Eastern Fraser Valley at a 9, or high risk, as of 9:00 am on August 2, 2017.

Residents who experience symptoms such as coughing and throat irritation should reduce or reschedule their outdoor activities. Individuals who are at greater risk, such as children and the elderly, and those with heart or breathing problems, should postpone strenuous outdoor activities altogether.

For residents who choose to stay indoors but whose homes do not have air conditioning, there are a few tips to beat the heat:

• Drink lots of water and natural fruit juices, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
• Keep the shades or drapes drawn and blinds closed on the sunny side of your home.
• Take a cool bath or shower periodically or cool down with cool, wet towels.
• Avoid heavy meals and using your oven.

Fans alone may not provide enough cooling when the temperature is high. If it is simply too hot in your own home, indoor spaces with air conditioning may offer relief from both heat and air pollution. Consider visiting an air conditioned place, such as a local library, shopping mall, or leisure centre to cool down.

Please visit weather.gc.ca/airquality/pages/bcaq-003_e.html for more information about the air quality health index. Additional tips to beat the heat can be found at chilliwack.com/beattheheat.